An East Lancsashire bed manufacturer has appointed a new chief commercial officer to the company's executive team.

Mark Slater as joined Accrington based Bensons for Beds in the COO role, having previously worked at Howdens plc, along with Travis Perkins, Currys and the Walt Disney Company.

At Howdens, the joinery products supplier, he helped achieve 65 per cent sales growth and an increase in profits and market share growth, and will be hoping to have the same success at Bensons.

As the new COO, he will be responsible for Bensons' commercial, marketing, digital and services teams, as well as product innovation and new business development, with a particular focus on growing sales and overall market share.

Nick Collard, chief executive at Bensons for Beds, said: “Following our return to profitability, this appointment is a critical role for Bensons as we begin to accelerate our work to create a more distinctive, compelling, and sector-leading offer for our customers. 

“Mark’s commercial knowledge and experience of working in assisted sale, vertically integrated businesses will be a strong addition to our leadership team.

"It’s a testament to the progress that Bensons has made in recent years that we have been able to attract someone of Mark’s background to be part of our journey.”

On his new role, Mr Slater, added: “The turnaround that Nick and the team have done with the business thus far, in the midst of a highly volatile consumer market, has been extremely impressive.

"Bensons’ expertise and manufacturing capabilities present a huge opportunity for the business.

"I’m delighted to be part of the team driving this forward.”

The appointment comes as Bensons posted profits of £1.5 million in the year to September 30, up from a £15.4m loss the year before, with a 7.5 per cent increase in sales.

The firm said it has been investing in improving its product offering and customer experience, and plans to open a dozen new stores in 2024.