Abode, award-winning designer of market leading kitchen sinks and taps, boiling water taps, bathroom taps, showering, and newly extended bathroom solutions continues to work closely with parent company Norcros, by welcoming Malcolm Ash as Merchandiser on a secondment, all the way from Johannesburg in South Africa.
Malcolm joined Abode on 31st March 2025, and is based at the company’s solar-powered headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. His work placement entails a 12-month secondment and as Merchandiser, Malcolm will ensure the Abode brand is represented as expected in all partners stores across the UK. He actively visits key customers nationwide, enhancing and preserving product displays following volume footfall, as well as liaising with and supporting their staff as needed. Malcolm is a key member of the sales team within the groups South African business so brings with him a wealth of experience. Malcolm has settled in as a member of the Abode family and has enjoyed taking in the beautiful sights Yorkshire has to offer.
Matthew Pitt, Managing Director at Abode says, “Forming connections is central to Norcros and the careers of our people can benefit greatly from the international dimension of our operations. Transferring skills between the different businesses like this introduces new perspectives that can really strengthen our business, making it more than the sum of its parts.”
To help Malcolm quickly feel like one of the family, the Marketing Team caught up with him to find out more about his previous experience, professional goals, and career aspirations following his time at Abode:
What is your experience up to now? I bring with me over 15 years of experience in my role from South Africa. Every day presents a new learning curve and fresh challenges, which continues to push me to grow and adapt. Throughout my journey, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for teamwork and support, knowing I can always rely on my colleagues when needed. I approach each day with an open mind, always eager to learn, develop, and exceed customer expectations.
What does your workday look like? Besides travelling and admiring the beauty of the country, my workday is all about careful planning and building strong connections. Before the week starts, I carefully plan my routes to optimize efficiency and make the most of my time on the road. I visit stores to offer my assistance from a merchandising point of view, ensuring everything looks its best and meets our standards. Most importantly, I focus on forging strong relationships with store teams, putting a friendly, approachable face to the Abode brand.
What do you hope to gain from Abode? I hope to gain opportunities for continued growth and development, both personally and professionally. I’m excited to expand my skills, learn new approaches, and contribute to a team that values innovation and customer satisfaction. So far, my key takeaways are that every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow, especially when working alongside talented and supportive colleagues. I’ve realized the importance of staying adaptable and open-minded to meet challenges head-on and consistently exceed customer expectations.
What is your favourite aspect of British design/manufacture? My favourite aspect of British design and manufacture is the vintage finishes of Abode products. They give me the impression that we are trendsetters combining timeless style with quality craftsmanship. It’s a unique blend that stands out in the market and really resonates with customers who appreciate both elegance and durability.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? My biggest career hope is to continue growing into a leadership role where I can mentor others and help shape the future of the industry in South Africa. I aspire to be someone who not only delivers results but also inspires and supports my colleagues to reach their full potential. I envision myself continuing to learn and adapt, staying at the forefront of industry trends while making a meaningful impact on both the business and the customers we serve.
Established in 2002, Abode is an award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, boiling water taps, and bathroom solutions. With core values centred on passion, design innovation and assurance, Abode is dedicated to bringing UK homeowners best-in-class designs with unique features, special finishes and the latest technology.
Norcros, is the UK’s number one bathroom brand, with operations largely in the UK, supported by their South Africa operations. Based in the UK, Norcros is headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire and operates under six brands, which includes Abode, Triton Showers, Vado, Croydex, Merlyn Showering, and Grant Westfield.
