David Cleave will clock into work at Oxford Hardware for the final time today before taking retirement following a 24-year reign.
Mr Cleave started the foodservice and refrigeration components supplier back in 2001, spending many weeks and months travelling the country introducing customers to himself and his company.
In 2007, he acquired the UK and Ireland distributorship for US industry giant KASON Industries, which overnight led to a significant leap in business growth by exposing it to manufacturer customers requiring hinges, latches, vent ports and cam-locks.
A year later, Mr Cleave took on the business of Speciality Hardware, which meant a move to a larger premises.
Mr Cleave went onto expand the business by introducing numerous new product lines, including sink bowls, pre-rinse units, gas hoses, electrical components, and canopy hood accessories.
He also secured additional distributorships and oversaw key company acquisitions, the latest being Mobile UK.
In 2019, Mr Cleave decided the time was right to start his exit from the industry and sold the business to Kason Industries.
It was important to him that the company went to an organisation that would look after his staff and customers the way he had since 2001.
As part of the sale, Mr Cleave agreed to support the transition of leadership at Oxford Hardware for a further five years and proceeded to invest time into George Bousfield, who now leads the firm.
Mr Bousfield commented: “David built Oxford Hardware, its reputation and the brilliant team we have here through years of determination and a hunger to succeed – being witness to this was an inspiration and an honour to be asked to take over the reins.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with David, and more importantly knowing David as a friend. The company is in a great place with a superb team in place that go from strength to strength every week.
“The future looks bright with new product lines set to be launched in 2025 and new markets being introduced to Oxford Hardware’s offering”.
Mr Bousfield formerly served as general manager of Oxford Hardware was made director in November this year.
Priya Andreas, former assistant general manager and head of accounts at Oxford Hardware, will step into the general manager role, offering her expertise and experience across all areas of the business.
