Management Team

Management structure

Two separate boards have been established to deliver the Group’s long term strategy.

The PLC Board, will be responsible for execution of the strategy and ensuring the Group meets with the requirements expected of a listed business. This board includes the following individuals each of which have previous listed experience and have a wealth of experience in the UK floorcoverings industry.

Paul Bassi CBE

Non-Executive Chairman

Paul is also CEO of Real Estate Investors PLC. 

Founder and Chairman of Bond Wolfe and formerly Non-Executive Chairman of CP Bigwood Chartered Surveyors. 

Past President of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Former Regional Chairman and Strategy Advisor to Coutts Bank (West Midlands). 

Awarded a CBE in 2010 for services to business and the community. 

Tony Brewer

Chief Executive

47 years’ experience within flooring, gaining extensive industry knowledge and supplier relationships. 

Joined Headlam in 1991 as Managing Director of their Flooring Division and Main Board Director. 

Headlam Chief Executive from 2000 until 2016. 

Appointed Chief Executive of the Likewise Group in 2018, principally responsible for Strategy, Acquisitions, Supplier and Investor Relations. 

Andrew Simpson

Non-Executive Director

Following many years’ experience in the flooring industry.

Joined Headlam in 1991. 

Retired in 2010 after 37 years gaining immense knowledge and experience working with suppliers, customers and employees.

Chair of Likewise Remuneration Committee

Mike Steventon

Non-Executive Director

34 years' experience in the professional services industry at KPMG, rising to partner in 1998 with a focus on auditing international listed groups.

Appointed Head of Automotive for KPMG UK in 2006.

Appointed Regional Chairman for KPMG Midlands in 2010.

Appointed Head of KPMG's Public Sector Business in 2016.

Chair of Likewise Audit Committee

The Executive Board, will report to the PLC board and will be responsible for operational delivery and be in control of the day to day trading, sourcing and integration of new acquisitions and management of head office operations. This board includes individuals with a wealth of experience in the UK floorcoverings market.

Adrian Laffey

33 years’ experience in the flooring industry, from retail to distribution. 

Joined Mercado in 1993 as a Sales Representative progressing to Buying Director and latterly Joint Managing Director, with responsibility for the four businesses operating from the Mercado site. 

Promoted to be responsible for all aspects of Headlam’s flagship distribution centre in Tamworth before joining Likewise. 

Global supplier relationships across all types of flooring products with considerable industry knowledge. 

The Management Team.

Ian Roberts

Over 27 years' experience as a Financial Controller in the Flooring industry.

Joined Headlam in 1995 as Senior Financial Controller. 

Became Group Financial Controller in 1998 and developed and implemented a robust internal financial framework across the UK and European businesses.

Joined Likewise in 2022 as Group Financial Controller.

Fiona Crombie

Over 20 years’ experience in governance and stakeholder advisory roles across the IT Software Industry and the Co-operative Movement.

Joined Likewise Group Plc in 2023, as Assistant Company Secretary. A newly created role to support the Board, Executive Management and Company Secretary, in all aspects of compliance and best practice across the Group.

Ben Baker-Ashforth

9 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant working in Audit, Reporting and Control Roles.

Qualified at PwC with extensive experience of working with large international group clients as well as working as Group Internal Auditor for a FTSE 250 manufacturer.

Joined Likewise Group plc in 2020, responsible for the development of the Group’s Financial Reporting and Controls.

Recently appointed Company Secretary of the Group in March 2024.

David Fullard

11 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Headlam in 2013 as a Graduate Management Accountant.

Joined Likewise in 2019 as Head Office Accountant, responsible for the development of internal reporting and implementation of financial controls across the Group as well as undertaking internal financial and analytical projects.

Jack O'Grady

12 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant at regional accountancy practices responsible for preparation of Management and Statutory Accounts, Audit, and Tax for clients across multiple sectors.

Joined Likewise Group Finance team in 2023, responsible for preparing the Group’s Statutory Accounts, oversight of the external audit process as well as undertaking various finance projects as part of the wider Group Finance team.  

Shona Redman

20 years' Accounts experience, working in both manufacturing and distribution sectors for large international companies.

Qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2011.

Joined the Likewise Group in 2019 as Financial Controller of all Northern Likewise branches.

Jim McGregor

32 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Considerable industry knowledge with strong supplier and customer relations.

Joined White Heather Floorcoverings (part of the MCD Group) in 1988 working on the Sales Desk. Became Buyer for MCD Scotland in 1997 and progressed to Branch Manager in 2003. Appointed Retail Buyer for all Headlam Scottish Companies in 2017.

Joined the Likewise Group in 2019 and set up Likewise Scotland. As Branch Manager, Jim is responsible for the day to day running of the business

Robin McKellar

32 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined McMillan Flooring Distributors in 1992, working in the Warehouse before progressing into the Sales Office.

Joined MCD Scotland in 2014 as part of the Commercial Internal Sales Team.

Joined Likewise Scotland in 2021 and played a key role in establishing their Commercial Division. Promoted to Contracts Manager in 2022 for Likewise Scotland.

Ashley McDonald

13 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined MCD Scotland in 2011 as a Sales Office Assistant and progressed to Sales Office Manager in 2015

Joined Headlam in 2019 as Commercial Manager.

Joined Likewise Scotland in 2023 as Sales office Manager.

Scott Bainbridge

24 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry

Joined Headlam in 2000 as a driver.

Joined Bonar Floors in 2004 as a Sales representative.

Joined Bruce Starke in 2015 as a Sales representative.

Joined Likewise Scotland in 2019 as a Class 1 Driver, progressing to Transport & Distribution Manager.

Johanne Logue

6 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Factory Flooring in 2018, responsible for the day to day running of the Sales Office, Customer Service and Accounts.

Progressed to Finance and Customer Service Manager in 2023 under the ownership of Likewise and played a key role in the branding of Likewise Scotland.

Stu Peters

28 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Headlam, Newcastle in 1993 working in the Sales office, quickly progressing to Area Sales Manager in 2007. 

Joined the Likewise Group in 2019 as Commercial Director of Likewise North East.

Sarah Jobling

29 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Headlam in 1992 as a Stock Controller and progressed to Office Manager in 2001.

Joined Likewise North East in 2019 as General Office Manager.

Tony Burgess

18 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined LGS in 2006 as an HGV class 2 driver, progressing to Transport Supervisor.

Joined Likewise North East in 2019 as Distribution Manager.

Gavin Wainwright

Gavin has 18 years' experience within the Residential Flooring Sector.

Starting his career as a Warehouse Operative with Factory Flooring in Dewsbury, Gavin soon progressed to Warehouse Manager.

Now under the ownership of Likewise, Gavin was appointed Distribution Manager in 2021 and successfully established our new Distribution Centre in Morley, Leeds.

Promoted to Operations Director North in 2023, responsible for the transport network for Likewise businesses in Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow and A&A Manchester

Rob Grant

39 years' experience in the Transport Industry, starting as a driver in his early career.

Joined Factory Flooring in 2010 as a driver and progressed to Transport Manager in 2013.

Now under the ownership of Likewise, Rob is now responsible for the distribution of the Northern Divisional Sales

Kelly Wilson

20 years' experience in the Flooring Industry, both in Retail and Commercial Sectors.

Kelly started her career with Carpetright Plc in 2001 where she soon progressed to Store Manager.

Joined Factory Flooring in 2018 as Office Manager, now under the ownership of Likewise where she is responsible for the Internal Sales Department and Customer Services at the Distribution Centre in Morley, Leeds.

George Prior

38 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

27 years' of which was spent at Mercado, Leeds gaining experience in many roles including Branch/Sales Manager and Commercial Buying. 2011 - 2019 National Commercial Sales Director for Mercado looking after a large National Sales Team, Sales Departments, Satellite Branches and Sales Managers.

Joined the Likewise Group in August 2019 as Commercial Director of Likewise North.

Dave Martin

17 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry

Joined Factory Flooring in 2007 as a Warehouse Operative.Now under the ownership of Likewise, David is now responsible for the running of the warehouse at the Distribution Centre in Morley, Leeds.

Alison Dzedzej

10 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Factory Flooring in 2014 in the Sales Office, progressing to Stock Replenishment Assistant.

Relocated to Morley, Leeds in 2019 and promoted to Replenishment Controller under the ownership of Likewise.

Tara Pearson

30 years’ experience in Accounts and 3 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry

Joined Lewis Debt recovery in 1994 followed by Bibby Financial services in 2004

Joined Jewson’s Credit Services in 2014

Joined Likewise Floors in 2021 as a Credit Controller.

Laura Irving

11 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Delta Carpets in 2013 working in Sales and progressing to Credit Controller and relocating to Morley, Leeds in 2022 under the new ownership of the Likewise Group.

Craig Melling

18 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Craig started his career at Furlong Flooring in 2003 in the warehouse progressing through each department to become an integral part of the Sales Team. 

Joined Carpetline Northwest (A&A) as Sales and Marketing Manager in 2017. 

In 2021 Craig was promoted to General Manager at A&A Carpets, part of the Likewise Group.

Rob Williamson

32 years’ experience in Distribution and Logistics.

Joined A&A in 2016 as Warehouse Manager and progressed to Distribution Manager under the ownership of Likewise in 2020.

Hayley Rothwell

2 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined A&A in 2022 as a Stock Controller.

Promoted to Office Manager in 2024.

Sandra Sinnott

Over 30 years’ experience in Accounts.

Joining A&A Carpets in 2017 as a Sales Office Administrator.

Progressed to Sales Office Manager in 2021 when A&A became part of the Likewise Group and now responsible for Credit Control.

Ismail Azam

Part Qualified ACCA Accountant

Previous experience as a Practice Assistant Accountant for 3 years

Accounting & Finance Graduate

Patrick O'Connor

12 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Patrick has progressed quickly though Logistics, Product and Sales environments and is a key contributor to the Group's logistics and IT strategy. 

Appointed Business Manager in 2021 for H&V Carpets, part of the Likewise Group, responsible for running the day to day business. 

Promoted to Operations Director Midlands and South in 2023, responsible for the groups IT strategy and transport network for Birmingham, Newbury, Sidcup and South East Sudbury businesses.

 

John Spink

20 years' experience in the Flooring Industry spanning both the Retail and Commercial sectors.

Joined Headlam in 2000 as a Trade Counter Operative, John progressed through the business to become Commercial Director of the Coleshill site.

Joined the Likewise Group in June 2021 as Business Manager of Likewise Midlands.

Kelly Spink

24 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Headlam Coleshill in 2000 gaining experience in Sales and Purchasing.

Joined Likewise Midlands in 2021, responsible for Stock Management and Purchasing.

John Williams

24 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Headlam in 2000 gaining experience in Transport and Warehousing. Promoted to Nightshift Manager and further progressed to Distribution Manager.

Joined Likewise Midlands in 2021 as Distribution Manager.

Joe Robinson

10 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined KJC Headlam in 2014 as a Sales Representative.

Joined Likewise in 2020 as a Sales Representative, progressing to Sales Manager in 2024.

Hannah Allen

10 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry in various roles in both the Residential and Commercial Sectors.

Joined Headlam in 2016 gaining experience in the Sales Office, then progressing to Credit Controller in 2018.

Joined Likewise Floors in 2024 as Credit Control Manager for Likewise businesses in Birmingham, Newbury and Newport.

Jamie McGregor

5 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Likewise Scotland in 2019 as a Warehouse Operative and progressed through the Commercial and Operational Departments within the business.

Promoted to Commercial Manager of Likewise Midlands in December 2023 transferring from Likewise Scotland.

Darryl Price

30 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry

Joined Headlam in 1994 at the Thatcham site and progressed to Operations Director. Relocated to assume the position of Commercial Director of the flagship site in Coleshill for 12 years.

Promoted to the Headlam Group Executive team in 2015 and became responsible for most operational sites and suppliers for the group.

Darren Aitken

33 years' experience in the Matting Industry.

Started at William Armes as a Weaver in 1988 and worked through the business gaining experience in various roles including Warehousing, Weaving, H&S and Purchasing before becoming their Operations Manager. 

Darren is responsible for the day to day running of Likewise Matting and Marquee Floors.

Simon Page

33 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Simon started his career in Retail Sales, progressing to Retail Management before moving into Direct Sales for a manufacturer and then to Key Account Manager for a wholesale distributor. 

With his expertise in Sales, Simon now manages the Sales Team for Likewise Matting and Marquee Floors, part of the Likewise Group. 

Simon Hobson

Over 26 years' Finance and Accounting experience in the manufacturing, wholesale and distribution sectors.

Finance Director for a Royal Warrant holding company.

Group Finance Manager for a large multi-national import and distribution company.

Joined Likewise in 2022 as Financial Controller with responsibility for Likewise South East and Likewise Rugs&Matting.  

Laine Butcher

12 years’ experience in Finance and 4 years’ experience in the Matting & Rug Industry.

Joined Likewise Matting in 2020 as a Purchase Ledger Assistant, progressing quickly to Credit Control and Accounts Manager for Likewise Matting and Likewise South East businesses.

Promoted to Management Accountant in 2023 for both Likewise Matting and Likewise South East.

Qualified in AAT and currently studying CIMA.

Jasmine Robinson

5 years’ experience in the Matting & Rug Industry.

Joined Likewise Matting in 2020 as a Sales Office Assistant, quickly progressing to Sales Office Supervisor.

Jasmine has continued to further develop her skills in various roles including Sales, Purchasing and Marketing. Responsible for the day to day running of the Sales Office for Likewise Rugs & Matting and Marquee Floors.

Promoted to Marketing Manager in 2024.

Sharon Starie

17 years’ experience in the Matting Industry

Joined William Armes in 2007 as a Production Assistant gaining experience in various roles including Picking, Packing and Warehousing.

Promoted to Production Manager in 2011.

Mark Spraggons

24 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Faithfull Floorcoverings in 1998 as a Warehouse Operative progressing through the business gaining experience in Transport and Sales, before becoming Sales Manager of Garrods.

Joined the Likewise Group in 2019 as Regional Sales Manager.

Mark is now responsible for the day to day running of Likewise South East in his role as Business Manager.

Rosie Spraggons

27 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Headlam in 1997 as Sales Administrator, progressing to Sales Office.

Manager and Stock Controller.

Joined Likewise South East in 2019 as General Office Manager.

Bryan Smith

11 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Faithfulls in 2013 working in the Sales Office and quickly progressing to Sales Representative.
Joined Likewise Matting in 2019 as a Sales Representative then transferred to Likewise South East as a Sales Representative.

Promoted to Sales Manager for Likewise South East in 2024.

Adam Miles

36 years’ experience in the Transport Industry.

Joined Magnus Group in 2006 as a Groupage Planner for pallet networks.

Joined Likewise South East in 2021 as Transport Manager.

Nathian Spalding

30 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Faithfull Floorcoverings in 1994 working in the Sales Office, Warehouse and Transport Department.

Joined Likewise South East in 2021 as Warehouse Manager.

Martin West

Martin West has over 36 years' of experience in the Carpet Industry having worked for both Manufacturers and Distributors.

Martin has rejoined Likewise having previously held the position of Managing Director of William Armes when the company first floated.

Prior to joining William Armes, Martin held the position of Commercial Director (residential business) at HFD (Tamworth) and more recently was Key Accounts and Business Development Manager at Belgian manufacturer Balta.

Martin is a Founding Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals and is responsible for the H & V and Delta Carpets businesses and Floors by Lewis Abbott brand.

Dan Thompson

11 years' experience within the Commercial Flooring Sector.

Joined Faithfull Floorcoverings in 2010 covering South London.

Joined the Likewise Group in 2019 as Commercial Manager and looks after the day to day running of the Floors by Lewis Abbott brand.

Helen Sellar

6 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Lewis Abbott in 2018 as a Junior Office Assistant.

Promoted to Office Manager for Lewis Abbot, part of the Likewise Group in 2019, responsible for the day to day running of the office for Likewise London and recently played a key role in the move from Peckham to the new Office and Distribution Centre in Sidcup.

Promoted to Area Sales Manager in 2024 for South Essex and North Kent.

Michael Keating

13 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Lewis Abbott in 2011as a Driver. Quickly promoted to Head Driver, then Transport Manager due to his great organisation skills and previous background in Customer Services.

Further promoted to Operations Manager for Lewis Abbott in 2018 now Likewise London.

Simon Loft

14 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry including 5 years in the Retail sector

Joined Faithfulls in 2015 as Area Manager for Kent and South London.

Joined Likewise London in 2021 as Area Manager for Kent, North and South London, promoted to Sales Manager in 2024

Stanley Uviase

14 years’ experience in Finance as an Audit Manager and Accountant for companies including KBM Chartered accountants and Kreston International.

Joined Likewise London in May 2022 as Financial Controller.

David Stottor

Over 35 years' experience in the Flooring Industry covering a variety of roles in Sales, Administration, Logistics and Purchasing.

Joined Headlam in 1994 as a Sales Manager for Florco progressing to Commercial Director with responsibilities for the 5 businesses operating out of Thatcham.

Joined Likewise in early 2022 as Commercial director for Likewise South.

Rhodri Dixon

24 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined 3D Flooring in 2000 as Trade Counter Assistant, progressing to Trade Counter Manager

Joined Headlam in 2014 as Sales Manager.

Joined Likewise in 2023 as General Manager responsible for the day to day running of Likewise Wales.

Wesley James

23 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Headlam in 2018 as Sales Representative progressing to Area Sales Manager in 2021.

Joined the Likewise group in 2023 as Contract Sales Manager of Likewise Wales.

Troy Fallon

35 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

20 years' manufacturing experience with National Carpets and Sirdar Group in various roles covering Production Management, Product Development, Procurement and Marketing. 

13 years' as Sales and Product Development Manager for National Carpets, responsible for developing and maintaining business with large National Retailers. 

Experienced in worldwide product sourcing, maintaining and developing global supplier relationships.

Joined the Likewise Group in 2019 as Key Account Manager responsible for sourcing and supplying products to large multiple retailers.

Sandra Carter

28 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined National Carpets in 1993 gaining experience in various roles including Customer Services, Sales, Accounts, Stock Control, Purchasing, Marketing and Compliance.

Joined the Likewise Group in 2019, responsible for Product Sourcing and Design, Marketing and Branding, Packaging and Point of Sale, Regulatory and Supply Chain Compliance and Quality Management.

Simon Miller

28 years' experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined Mercado's Leeds in 1998 after five years retail experience in the carpet sector.

Joined Valley Wholesale Carpets in 2008 as an Area Manager and progressed to Operations Director in 2014.

Simon Kinsella

36 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry.

Joined MCD in 1987 working in the Warehouse and progressing into Distribution Management.

Moved to Headlam in 2000 as Warehouse Manager, progressing to Sales Manager.

Joined Valley Carpets in 2023 as General Manager.

Vinnie Clarke

21 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry in both Retail and Distribution Sectors.

Joined Headlam in 2013 as a Sales Representative, progressing to Sales Manager in 2018.

Joined Likewise in 2022 as a Sales Representative. Promoted to Sales Manager in 2024 for Delta Carpets, responsible for looking after the team of Sales Representatives.

Advisors.

In addition to the Executives and Operational Management, the Group also has the benefit of having the opportunity to call on the considerable expertise of the following people.

Investors in Likewise and with significant experience, it is a huge benefit to the Group to call on their expertise to assist in the development of Likewise.

Jonathan Keeling

33 years' Corporate Banking experience looking after and advising Quoted Growth Companies.

Founder and former CEO of Arden Partners until retiring in 2018.

Executive Director of Indus Gas Plc.

Non-Executive Director of Parry Murray.

Consultant to the CEO and Board of Likewise Group Plc since 2018.