Our People

Simon has been part of Handy’s story for many years, becoming a Director in 2008 before stepping into his current role as Chairman. Following in the footsteps of his father, Derek, he brings both family values and forward-thinking leadership to the business. Today, Simon plays a key role in guiding Handy’s growth while keeping the company’s commitment to customers at its heart.

Derek first joined Handy in 1970 as Sales Manager and went on to take ownership in 1997. With over 50 years dedicated to the business, he is the heart behind Handy’s success and growth. Known for his presenting days on QVC, Derek has always brought personality and passion to everything he does. Above all, he has built Handy on strong family values, shaping a company where long-term relationships and trust come first.

With just over 30 years at Handy, Steve has worked in every part of the business and knows it inside out. His experience and insight make him the driving force behind product development, ensuring Handy continues to deliver quality and innovation. Known for his depth of knowledge and practical approach, Steve plays a central role in guiding the team and supporting the company’s long-term success. His commitment reflects the strong family values that continue to shape Handy today.

Mark joined Handy in 2015 and has made a major impact on shaping the company’s sales and marketing strategy. Passionate about garden machinery, he has been a driving force behind the growth of Handy’s own brands and the success of its retail partnerships. With a background as Senior National Sales Manager at Kärcher, Mark brings energy, creativity, and a true showman’s flair. As the face of Handy, he combines commercial insight with enthusiasm that inspires both colleagues and customers.

Michelle has been part of Handy for many years and is very much the backbone of the company. As Finance Controller, Michelle oversees all accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, budget management, and compliance with financial standards. Known for her attention to detail and steady approach, Michelle plays a vital role in keeping Handy running smoothly. Her commitment reflects the strong family values that continue to guide the business.

Paul brings over 10 years of sales experience to his role as National Account Manager at Handy. Lively and approachable, he combines energy with expertise to build strong relationships with key retail partners. Paul’s enthusiasm and fun approach make him a natural communicator, while his commercial insight ensures Handy’s customers receive the support and solutions they need to succeed.

Arran has been with Handy for over seven years, following five years at RYOBI, and is dedicated to supporting his national accounts. A real go-getter, he brings energy and focus to everything he does, often creating bespoke products and helping shape entire garden categories. Known for his detailed approach and strong product knowledge, Arran works closely with partners to boost sales and profits. His drive and fire make him a dynamic force within Handy and a key player in his customers’ success.

Ian has been with Handy for over six years, following 11 years at Briggs & Stratton. With a wealth of experience in parts and garden machinery and Agriculture he has a strong understanding of the dealer trade market and knows exactly what dealers need to thrive. Ian takes pride in building lasting relationships and supporting customers with practical knowledge and honest advice, making him a trusted face of Handy in the field.

Dean has been part of Handy for more than 18 years and is well known as the go-to source of expert knowledge. With a strong focus on dealer and independent trade partners, he has built trusted relationships that continue to drive sales and growth. Dean’s great personality and quick one-liners make him as approachable as he is knowledgeable, earning him respect from colleagues and customers alike.

With more than 20 years at Handy, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge across the dealer trade, agricultural, garden machinery, and both consumer and commercial markets. He is passionate about the dealer network and loves being part of trade events, where his experience and hands-on approach really shine. Known for making things happen, Brian is straight-talking, practical, and always ready to roll up his sleeves – the person everyone relies on when it really counts.

Ray has been with Handy for over 13 years and looks after garden centres across the UK, from national chains to independents. With his deep industry knowledge and a network that seems to know everyone, he is dedicated to driving sales and supporting his customers’ success. Known as the comedian of Handy, Ray brings laughter and energy wherever he goes, combining passion with expertise to make a real difference for the garden centre trade.

Martin has been with Handy for over 15 years and plays a central role in bringing new products to market. Working closely with Handy’s overseas office, he is the vital link between product manufacturing and UK launches, ensuring every detail is right. With expert knowledge of garden machinery and a meticulous eye for detail, Martin is the go-to expert for accurate product data and successful product launches.

Anthony has been with Handy for over three years and brings more than 20 years of marketing experience, including time at Stanley Black & Decker. He is reshaping Handy’s marketing strategy, strengthening the company’s brands and the way they go to market. From digital campaigns, PR, and creative assets to product launches, video content, and growing e-commerce, Anthony has transformed how Handy presents itself. Leading a talented team, he knows marketing is never a solo effort and has made it a vital driver of Handy’s growth.

Lynn has been with Handy for over six years and is the one who makes sure stock always lands on time. Detail-driven and highly organised, Lynn manages suppliers, coordinates the flow of goods, and keeps production and distribution running smoothly. By monitoring inventory, logistics, and costs, Lynn ensures Handy can meet customer demand efficiently and reliably. With a sharp eye for detail and strong planning skills, Lynn is a vital part of keeping the business moving.

Sarah has been with Handy for over seven years and brings 11 years of service supervisory experience from B&Q. She leads our customer service team, making sure retailers and consumers get the support they need on everything from orders and warranties to parts and product guidance. As the voice of the customer inside Handy, Sarah turns feedback into improvements that keep service smooth and reliable.

Daniel has been with Handy for over 14 years and is the go-to expert when it comes to parts. With a quick wit and a knack for finding the right solution, he leads his team to get orders out quickly and accurately. His knowledge, commitment, and sense of humour make him a trusted point of contact for both retailers and customers. Hands-on and approachable, Daniel keeps the parts department running smoothly day in, day out.

With over 30 years at Handy, Mike is the operations backbone who keeps everything running smoothly. With a background in engineering, he oversees all things IT — from processing systems and computer networks to the infrastructure that supports daily operations. Known for his problem-solving skills, Mike is the one who will troubleshoot any issue and get it resolved, keeping Handy connected and moving forward.

Kelvin oversees Handy’s international production, managing schedules, driving productivity, and ensuring process control across the supply chain. Working with multiple manufacturing plants, he keeps operations efficient and consistent. He works closely with the Marketing team on packaging and branding, and supports the Product Manager and Senior Leadership Team on new product development, helping turn ideas into finished products ready to launch with confidence.