David Main, CEO of Shankar, details the team behind the business, new product development and what to expect to see at this month’s January Furniture Show.
The Shankar Team
At Shankar, the business has a strong emphasis on developing and maintaining strong customer relationships, with every member of the team wholly customer focused. David Main, CEO, has over 40 years of retail and wholesaling experience and has spearheaded the company’s growth since its inception and continues to lead the field in product design and procurement.
“I co-ordinate the company’s activities from finance through to logistics and, together with a valued team, we’ve grown Shankar into a well-respected leader in its field,” David said.
Other key members of the team include Mark Prior, National Sales Manager, as David continued: “Mark has over 20 years of experience in multi-site retailing and 15 years of furniture wholesaling, which enables him to have a unique insight into the requirements of our retail partners.
“With overall responsibility for the company’s UK Sales, Mark also currently has day to day hands on responsibility for covering the North of the UK assisted in the Northwest by our Sales Agent Sandy Smith.”
Shankar has recently made a double appointment with Anthony Lewer joining as Business Development Manager South and Sid Hanif, also as Business Development Manager for online. “Anthony is well known and respected within the furniture trade with wide experience ranging from his family’s wholesale business through to well-known brands including Sylvan products, Totem furniture, Corndell, Skovby, Actona and Devonshire,” David continued.
“Anthony has day to day responsibility for Sales in the South of the UK assisted in the Southeast by our sales agent Stuart McDonnell. Meanwhile, Sid joins us with over 12 years of experience in the furniture industry having built a reputation as a trusted professional known for his ability to forge successful relationships and drive revenue growth. Concentrating on developing sales online Sid will continue to grow our business in this area and is assisting with the sourcing of products specifically for our online retailers.”
David was also keen to highlight key members of the office team, with Sharon Colauto Frost, Office Sales Manager, Beckee Owen, Sales Administrator, Tony McGee, IT and Logistics, and Andrew Field, Financial Controller, all playing vital roles within the business. “Sharon liaises with both our sales team and our customers directly to ensure that all orders are dealt with efficiently.
“Beckee also liaises with our sales team and customers directly and has responsibility for customer deliveries and service. Tony ensures that our stocks are replenished as required and produces our high-quality POS and product information, while Andrew liaises with our sales team and customers with regard to payments and credit terms as well as efficiently controlling the company’s accounts.
Product Development & Promotions
Over the years, Shankar has successfully developed its dining chair range to also include bar stools, accent chairs, dining tables and occasional furniture. “At Shankar, we are continually improving our offer with new designs and fabrics introduced throughout this year,” David says.
“Throughout this year we have run a variety of promotions to help launch new ranges and to drive repeat sales, which have been very successful for us.”
January Furniture Show
Looking ahead to the January Furniture Show 2025, taking place at NEC Birmingham, Shankar will be launching a wide range of “exciting new products” including additions to its very successful Monaco and Tokyo ranges, as well as some sensational new chairs including dining, bar, accent and office chairs in a variety of up to the minute designs and fabrics.
David concluded: “We look forward to meeting you on stand B40 in Hall 5 where you will be able to meet our team and look at our unbeatable show offers, new products as well as our new ‘chair gallery’ display which will provide you with a leading way of displaying our products in your store.”
