Welcome back, Dave.

We invite you to join us in congratulating Dave Harding as he takes on his new role as Sales & Marketing Director.

We’re especially proud to welcome Dave back to Gilberts; a reflection of our supportive culture and the strong sense of belonging that often draws team members to return.

Dave brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and valuable experience from his time both inside and outside Gilberts. His technical expertise and deep understanding of our business will help drive fresh perspectives whilst building on the strengths that make us who we are.

LET’S BEGIN

Start with the basics, tell us a little bit about your career and what led to this point?

“Certainly. My career in the HVAC industry actually began with Gilberts back in 2004, so in many ways this feels like coming full circle. Over the past 20 years I’ve built my career within this sector, developing a deep understanding of both the technical and commercial sides of the market.

After leaving Gilberts in 2012, I joined another market-leading manufacturer where I had the opportunity to take on a variety of roles. I started in field sales, then moved into sales management, which gave me valuable experience leading teams and delivering growth. From there, I progressed into business development and product management positions, which allowed me to focus more strategically, looking at market trends, customer needs, and how to position the business for long-term success.

What’s been consistent throughout is my passion for building strong customer relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and driving commercial strategy. Those experiences, combined with my grounding at Gilberts, have brought me to this point where I feel I can add real value as a Sales & Marketing Director.”

BACKGROUND

What was your previous role at Gilberts and what did you learn during that time?

“At Gilberts, I began managing larger projects before moving into the technical department, where I developed a strong understanding of our products and customer requirements. I progressed to Technical Team Leader, which gave me my first real leadership experience and taught me how to combine technical expertise with effective communication and team management. That foundation has been invaluable throughout my career.”

RETURN STORY

What made you decide to return to Gilberts and how does it feel to be “back home” in a new role as Sales Director?

“What drew me back to Gilberts is the family-owned nature of the business. That gives it a dynamic, agile culture where decisions can be made quickly, and where the experience I’ve gained over the last decade can genuinely make a difference. There’s a real opportunity here to influence the direction of the business and help drive growth.

It also feels like coming home. This is where my career began, so there’s a sense of pride in being able to return and contribute at a senior level.”

NOTICEABLE CHANGES

What changes or improvements have you noticed since you were last here?

“Without a doubt, the biggest change I’ve noticed is the significant investment in production. In many family-owned businesses, reinvestment can be limited, but it’s immediately clear that Gilberts are committed for the long term.

What really appeals to me is the way that investment in technology has been approached, not as a replacement for people, but as a way to increase capacity and support growth while protecting what I see as the company’s greatest asset: its people. It’s a refreshing balance of progress and values.”

VISION & OPPORTUNITIES

With your knowledge of the business, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth?

“Given the breadth of markets and products Gilberts offers, the opportunities are vast. I see real potential in strengthening our position in core sectors while also expanding into emerging areas where demand for energy efficiency and indoor air quality is growing. Over the coming year, a key focus will be exploring these opportunities in detail, identifying where we can leverage our expertise to deliver the most sustainable growth.”

CULTURE & TEAM

What’s it like re-joining the team and seeing some familiar faces?

“It was a real surprise, and a pleasure, to see so many familiar faces when I returned. I think that says a lot about Gilberts as a business. Strong staff retention is a testament to the culture here, and it creates a great sense of continuity and shared purpose.”

ABOUT YOU

How do you like to unwind outside of work?

“Outside of work I like to keep active. I enjoy running, mountain biking, and more recently some rather poor but hopefully improving attempts at golf. In my younger days I was very involved in Taekwondo, even running a club and coaching juniors in sport Taekwondo. I may not be quite as nimble as I once was, but I still value staying active and the balance it brings.”

TELL US MORE

If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

“If I had to choose three words, I’d say approachable, pragmatic, and ambitious. I think being approachable is key to building strong relationships internally and with customers. Pragmatic reflects my ability to balance strategy with practical solutions that deliver results. And ambitious captures both my personal drive and my outlook for the business – always aiming for the next level of growth and improvement.”

LOOKING AHEAD

We’d like to thank Dave for taking the time to share his journey with us. His return marks an exciting new chapter for Gilberts, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact of his leadership.

Alongside Dave, we’re also delighted to have recently welcomed Martin Malyon as our National Sales Manager. Together, Dave and Martin bring a powerful combination of experience, energy, and vision to our Sales Department. Their partnership reflects the collaborative spirit at the heart of Gilberts, ensuring decisions are made with commitment, expertise, and the best interests of our customers in mind.

With a senior team united by drive and ambition, we’re confident this is a progressive step forward, one that strengthens our foundation and sets the stage for continued growth and success.