Corporate News

Lords, a leading distributor of building materials in the UK, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Webber as Chief Operating Officer for the Group’s Plumbing and Heating (P&H) division, with effect from 2 September 2025.  Matthew will also join the Group’s Operating Board.

Matthew brings a wealth of experience with over 20 years in the HVAC sector.  His extensive background spans both supplier and manufacturer roles as well as merchant businesses, with a strong emphasis on the plumbing and heating industry.  His leadership experience and industry insight will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of growth for the Group’s P&H division.

In his role as COO, Matthew will have full P&L responsibility for the five P&H businesses: APP Wholesale, Ultimate Renewables, HRP Trade, Direct Heating, and Mr Central Heating.

Lords is also pleased to announce that Neil Lake will transition into the role of Group Business Development Director, where he will work with the Group’s Operating Board in driving continued growth and innovation across Lords.  Neil has played a key role in leading the Group’s P&H division since joining Lords through the acquisition of HRP Trade and Direct Heating and he will continue to maintain significant influence within the P&H division, supporting Matthew in his new role.

Shanker Patel, CEO of Lords, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Webber as our new Chief Operating Officer for the Plumbing and Heating Division.  Matthew's extensive experience and leadership in the HVAC sector will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and innovation. I am confident that under his guidance, our P&H division will reach new heights."

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew Webber, said: "I am honored to join Lords as the Chief Operating Officer for the Plumbing and Heating Division.  I look forward to working closely with the talented team here to build on the strong foundation already in place.  I am also excited to collaborate with Neil Lake in his new role as Group Business Development Director, as we drive continued growth and innovation across the division."

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES:

Notes to Editors:

Lords is a specialist distributor of building, plumbing, heating and DIY goods.  The Group principally sells to local tradesmen, small to medium sized plumbing and heating merchants, construction companies and retails directly to the general public.

The Group operates through the following three divisions:

Merchanting: supplies building materials and DIY goods through its network of merchant businesses and online platform capabilities.  It operates both in the 'light side' (building materials and timber) and 'heavy side' (civils and landscaping), through 32 locations in the UK.

Plumbing and Heating: a specialist distributor in the UK of plumbing and heating products to a UK network of independent merchants, installers and the general public.  The division offers its customers an attractive proposition through a multi-channel offering.  The division operates over 16 locations enabling nationwide next day delivery service.

Digital: a market-leading e-commerce only platform serving UK homeowners and trade professionals through a suite of specialist Superstore websites. With over 140,000 listed products, the Superstores provide anyone building or improving homes in the UK with a unique hybrid approach combining online convenience with expert technical and customer support.

Lords was established over 40 years ago as a family business with its first retail unit in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.  Since then, the Group has grown to a business operating from 48 sites.

For additional information please visit www.lordsgrouptradingplc.co.uk.