Toffee maker Walker’s Nonsuch appoints UK sales director

Toffee maker Walker’s Nonsuch has appointed Alan Staniford as UK sales director.

Having joined Walker’s Nonsuch over a decade ago, Staniford stepped into the position of sales director earlier this month. He was previously national sales executive for the business.

Over the years, Staniford had become “a familiar and respected presence across the UK’s retail and wholesale landscape”, said Walker’s Nonsuch.

“His personable approach and understanding of grassroots sales have helped nurture strong relationships with key partners including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and World of Sweets,” it added.

Staniford will now focus on “growth, sustainability, and reaching the next generation of toffee lovers”.

Fifth-generation family business Walker’s Nonsuch was founded by Edward Joseph Walker in Stoke-on-Trent in 1894. Walker’s son, Edward Victor, joined the family business in 1915, and it was taken over by his grandsons Ian and Edward in 1962.

Edward died in 1981, leaving Ian at the helm for 36 years until his death in December 2017 after completing 60 years of service.

Today managing directors and sisters Katie and Emma head up the company, alongside fifth-generation family member Jonathan Rae, who serves as operations director.

“We’ll never forget where we’ve come from,” said Staniford.

“But we’ve got a responsibility to keep moving forward – becoming more energy-efficient, cutting waste, and staying true to the values the late Ian Walker believed in.”