Macclesfield-based furniture and furnishings retailer Arighi Bianchi has appointed Susie Harding as Finance Director. Susie also joins the business’ board of directors, the first time a non-family member of the fifth-generation family owned and run business has become a board member.
Susie joins Arighi Bianchi from Tetrad, an upholstered goods specialist, where she was Finance Director and has previously held finance positions at Co-operative Asset Management (part of Royal London Group), BAE Systems and Costain Oil, Gas & Process Ltd.
Susie has been appointed to support Arighi Bianchi’s ambitious growth strategy, as it continues to expand its ecommerce capabilities and broaden its customer base for the iconic five story showroom in Cheshire. With a heritage dating back more than 160 years, Arighi Bianchi has been trading from its landmark Silk Road store since 1892.
Commenting on her appointment, Susie said: “Arighi Bianchi is one of the most recognised retailers in the region and it’s an absolute honour to join the senior management team and board of directors. The business offers a fun and fast-paced working environment and it is great to be part of such a solid family-owned business which has its sight sets on future success.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Managing Director Sarah Bianchi, as well as Nick, John and Richard Bianchi as we take the business from strength to strength. We have a robust and clear vision for the business and it is my role to help deliver this strategy – navigating challenges facing the sector as a whole and putting in place new internal systems to help streamline operations.
“Arighi Bianchi has a loyal following and is successfully marketing its wide range of modern, competitively-priced furniture and accessories to a UK wide audience that its delivery service caters for. While the wider macro-environment has presented a difficult time for retailers in all sectors, trading continues to be healthy and that is thanks to the reputation of the store and the vision of the management team.”
Despite the current economic climate, Managing Director Sarah Bianchi is optimistic that Arighi Bianchi is in a positive position to meet its business targets and continue its growth trajectory. She adds: “Susie is an extremely experienced Finance Director with an acute business brain and a wealth of sector knowledge. She will be an asset to the senior management team and her expertise will play a pivotal role in helping the business continue to grow. We are extremely glad to welcome her on board.”
