Celebrating Dedication and Leadership at Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

We are proud to spotlight two of our dedicated leaders, Rob Bailey and Cameron Reid, whose combined experience and commitment have been pivotal in our company’s success – and their outstanding contributions have earned them well-deserved promotions to Regional Managers.

This is the outcome of Ian Williams, Howarth's Regional Director, retiring after 6.5 years of committed service.
Ian joined us in 2017 and brought with him a strategic vision and passion that has greatly contributed to our regional success. Howarth has grown in market share and improved its reputation for dependability and quality during his leadership.

And Ian has been more than just a leader; he has served as a mentor, colleague, and friend, making an unforgettable effect on our business culture. As he begins his well-deserved retirement, we send our deepest gratitude and best wishes for a happy and rewarding future.

Rob and Cameron’s journeys may have just begun in Regional Management, but their dedication, growth, and excellence in the company will ensure they prosper and thrive. In recognition of their remarkable achievements, we dedicate this article to highlighting their inspiring careers.

Rob Bailey: A Career Built on Commitment and Relationships

Rob Bailey has been a cornerstone of the company for the past 23 years, previously serving as the esteemed Branch Manager at the Ashton branch before his most recent promotion. Rob's journey into the industry is both inspiring and a testament to the power of relationships and hard work.

Rob began his career through a weekend job assisting a customer. His responsibilities included collecting materials from Howarth Timber Bury, where he built a rapport with the shop manager at the time. Recognizing Rob’s dedication and potential, this manager recommended him to Paul Barton, paving the way for Rob’s entry into the company. Over the years, Rob’s commitment and leadership skills have been integral to the success and growth of the Ashton branch.

During his journey as Branch Manager at Ashton, Rob Bailey remarked, "As a branch manager, you have the great opportunity to guide a large group of people and witness their knowledge and skills evolve in the workplace. Managing people can be challenging, but it is always one of my top priorities to listen to my staff, address their needs, and create the most enjoyable working environment possible for them."

Cameron Reid: Rising Through the Ranks with Determination

Cameron Reid has been an integral part of the company for approximately 14 years, with the last 11 years spent at the Bury branch. Cameron’s path highlights the opportunities for those with both determination and a willingness to learn.

Cameron entered the building supplies sector through a graduate recruitment company, joining us on a graduate management scheme. Despite having no prior experience in the building industry, Cameron’s dedication and quick learning curve enabled him to thrive.

Before his successful tenure at the Bury branch, Cameron Reid gained valuable experience at the Manchester and Oldham branches. His journey from a graduate recruit to a key figure showcases his adaptability and leadership skills. Reflecting on his time, Cameron shared, "I enjoy working at Howarth, especially when dealing with customers. The day-to-day interactions and trading with them are always incredibly rewarding. Building relationships with customers and suppliers is a highlight— and I look forward to continuing and developing this at a regional level."

Celebrating Excellence and Looking Ahead

Rob and Cameron epitomize the values and dedication that we at Howarth cherish hugely. Their journeys from entry-level positions to branch managers to regional manages emphasize the opportunities for growth and development within our company.

As we look to the future, the contributions of leaders like Rob Bailey and Cameron Reid ensure that our company remains a trusted name in the industry, committed to excellence and innovation.

We look forward to following their development in their new roles as Regional Managers and wish them both the best of luck and success.

Firstly I'd like to thank Ian Williams for the great contribution he has made in developing what was for us back in 2017 the new role of Regional Manager before being promoted to Regional Director. Rob and Cameron were appointed following an assessment day which 8 of our existing Branch Managers attended. The field of applicants was very strong, showing the strength in depth of our management team and being long standing senior Branch Managers I know Rob and Cameron well. Supported by Ian Williams and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team, they have started off strong, and already making an impact within their new roles. I look forward to working closely with them in future years."

– Nick Howarth, Managing Director