The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) executive chairman David Smyth is to retire at the end of May 2016, following the AGM. This will be three years after his appointment into what was then a new role for the trade association.
Said Mr Smyth: "I have very much enjoyed my three years as chairman of BHETA and feel I am leaving at a time when the association is in excellent shape, and this is the right time to bring in someone for the next few years.

"I firmly believe that the current executive team and the member services team are now much stronger and better placed than they have ever been to provide our members with all their requirements. Our successes over recent years speak volumes for the efficiency of the BHETA team.

"I genuinely feel that I have helped to raise the profile of the Association in a positive way and from this I get a great deal of pleasure. I too have personally gained much from working with members and the team and would like to thank everyone in BHETA for giving me the opportunity to 'put something back' into the industry that I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of for almost 50 years."

Mr Smyth started his career with Crown Paints and subsequently Crown Wallcoverings where he was Sales and Marketing Director until 1988. He then took on managing director roles at Trent Valley Plastics, Trent Hardware and then Douglas Kane Hardware after Trent's merger with Savage Group Companies. He remained in this role after Newell Rubbermaid acquired the McKechnie Consumer Division. From 2003 until 2013 he was joint owner and Director of Siro DIY Products (UK) Ltd.

BHETA Chairman, Roger Morgan-Grenville paid tribute to Mr Smyth's contribution: "I firmly believe that the structure which was introduced, enabling David's appointment was very sound and will be continued. Having a 'figurehead' to whom the Executive Team can report to has proved to be very successful.

"BHETA's strategic plans are well established and developed, its credentials within the industry have been massively enhanced and the practical results for members that have been developed during the last three years are immeasurable in terms of retail engagement, industry knowledge, networking contacts and profile.

"David will be a particularly hard act to follow, but I am confident that we will attract the right person to continue his good work."