>>harrogate spa water triples its sales team in three years

Reviving a product with origins in the 11th century may sound like a daunting task, but Paul Martin, managing director of Harrogate Spa Water, has taken it all in his stride.
Production shut down in the 1970s, but just three years after the company reintroduced the water bottling industry to North Yorkshire in May 2002, Harrogate Spa Water has tripled the size of its sales team. It says it has already established itself as one of the UK’s top 20 water brands.
The product is stocked by every major supermarket and can also be found on trains, planes and in restaurants.
“During the past few months we have been successful in winning business so we’ve been able to strengthen our team,” says Martin, adding that four major appointments have been made in the past six months. The expansion ensures that Harrogate Spa Water has one or more dedicated account managers for every area of its business.
Phil Hedley was appointed in December last year from Masterfoods to manage the cost sector trade as national account manager.
The next recruits were Chris Thorpe and David Sunter, from Hall & Woodhouse, as senior account managers for the retail multiple and cash and carry and wholesale sectors respectively.
Then Claire Lee joined to support sales team member Neil Robertson with foodservice and licensed trade accounts.
Martin says: “It’s a good team with a great combination of youth and experience.”
Water bottling company expands business