Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten have strengthened their leadership team with the appointment of Hayley Simmons as senior marketing consultant – a move designed to accelerate the businesses’ brand and marketing strategies in line with ambitious growth targets over the next three to five years.

Simmons brings more than 15 years’ experience in the KBB and home improvement sector, with a proven track record of uniting brand, marketing, product and commercial disciplines into results-driven strategies. As founder of KBB Marketing, she has worked extensively with national and independent retailers, distributors and manufacturers, supporting them with brand positioning, campaign delivery and product development aligned to wider commercial objectives.

In her new part-time role with Frontline and Smiths Briten, Simmons will first review the businesses’ current marketing activity before developing a long-term framework to underpin sustained growth. This will include strengthening brand identity and messaging, and ensuring marketing activity is fully integrated with product development and commercial decision-making.

Commenting on the appointment, Darren Allison, managing director of Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, said: “Hayley’s arrival marks an important step in our growth journey. Her breadth of experience and proven ability to connect brand strategy with commercial and product insight will give us the tools we need to not only grow, but to do so in a way that is meaningful and sustainable. This is about building solid foundations that allow us to expand our reach, strengthen our relationships with retailers and merchants, and ultimately deliver more for our customers.”

Simmons adds: “What drew me to working with Frontline and Smiths Briten is the scale of their ambition and the opportunity to make a real impact by bringing together all the elements that drive growth. Marketing cannot sit in isolation; it has to work hand in hand with brand, product and commercial planning. I’m excited to be working with the teams to create a strategy that not only supports the businesses today, but also positions them strongly for the years ahead.”

Frontline Bathrooms, based in Featherstone, and Smiths Briten, based in Bolton, continue to invest in operations, logistics and customer service as they set the foundations for long-term expansion. The appointment of Hayley Simmons is the latest step in ensuring the brands are equipped with the expertise and structure needed to deliver on those ambitions.

Specialist KBB recruitment agency, Simon Acres Group Limited has promoted Sam Radford to head of recruitment, Lewis Morrish to national account manager – merchants, and welcomed Vikash Patel to the Oval Deene Recruitment team as a recruitment consultant.

Sam Radford is a recruiter with 23 years of experience in HGV, logistics, and permanent placements. She prides herself on her people-focused approach to supporting both clients and candidates.

Lewis Morrish has over 10 years of experience working within the KBB and merchant industries and has been a member of the Simon Acres Group for over 4 years. Morrish will drive recruitment solutions for merchant clients, grow a team, and continue to strengthen long-term partnerships across the sector.

Vikash Patel brings over five years of experience in driver recruitment and customer service. Based at the Oval Deene Recruitment office in Tunbridge Wells, Patel will support candidates in securing their ideal roles, while ensuring clients have access to the very best talent solutions.

Simon Acres, managing director, Simon Acres Group, comments: “Radford embodies the values we stand for, always going the extra mile for clients and candidates. Morrish’s industry knowledge, flair for building long-term partnerships and commitment to delivering real value to our clients make him an outstanding fit as national account manager – merchants.”

Gemma Creasey, director – Oval Deene Recruitment and commercial director – Simon Acres Group, adds: “Patel has a proven ability to balance candidate aspirations with client requirements, making him a valuable partner in achieving successful placements.”

For further information on Simon Acres Group, please call the team on 0203 701 6660, email info@simonacres.co.uk or visit: www.simonacres.co.uk.

Contributed by Kate Smith for Bathroom Review