A new chapter is about to open in the life of Malcolm Aldridge as he retires from his position as chairman of leading building supplies, equipment and tools provider Selco Builders Warehouse, today Monday 30th June.
The 68-year-old became a director in 1990, took on the role of managing director in 1998 and has spent the past three years as chairman.
“It will be emotional to walk out for the final time,” admitted Malcolm who was formerly chief executive of British Dredging Plc and more recent chairman of Frontline and Smiths Bathrooms.
“It’s been a big attachment and a significant part of my life. But I will have plenty to keep me busy. It will give me more chance to extend my work with the church and as a community first responder, play some more golf and I’ve just started keeping bees.”
Birmingham-born Malcolm has overseen a major period of growth at Selco, which has seen its number of branches expand from 5 to 34 under his leadership, including breaking into London, with the capital now being home to 18 warehouses.
“I look back on my time with a degree of satisfaction and feel young enough to do it all again” said Malcolm, who became chairman in 2011 and whose wife Ruth also works at Selco’s support centre.
“It’s a unique business, but the products we are selling are not unique.
“It is the concept and level of service which are unique. We are a trade business with retail disciplines, which is key to our success.
We’ve had great teams in the branches and a strong senior management team which is vital to the success of any business. We all have our strengths and weaknesses so I wanted to complement the talents of everyone and create a balanced management team where everyone had their say.
“I think we have grown in a democratic fashion.”
Selco chief executive Chris Cunliffe, who has worked alongside Malcolm for over 20 years, paid tribute to the retiring chairman.
“From the moment I got to know Malcolm he was like a mentor to me and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better,” said Chris
“His vast knowledge, expertise and passion have been key to his and Selco’s growth, and there is no doubt in my mind that Selco would not be the success story it is today without Malcolm.
“I and all Selco colleagues wish Malcolm an extremely happy and long retirement. It’s well deserved.”
Past and present work colleagues of Malcolm marked his retirement by attending a special celebration lunch in Birmingham.
Selco Builders Warehouse is a leading building supplies warehouse with 34 branches across England and Wales and its central support centre in Wythall, Birmingham.
They supply a massive range of building materials including doors, windows, insulation, roofing, heating, plumbing supplies, building materials, lighting, electrical products, kitchens, bathrooms and timber.
Branches also offer an in-branch café, trade counter services, direct-to-site delivery options and van size parking spaces, all designed to make it easier for tradespeople to get onto the job as soon as possible.
For more information on Selco or to find details of local branches log on to www.selcobw.com.