The past few months have been challenging for us all, yet through its team work and loyal staff Sontay has been able to weather the harshest elements of the coronavirus storm. As such, Sontay is glad to be welcoming a new managing director and expanding its workforce, whilst bidding a fond farewell to Sandy Damm. 

Sandy joined Sontay as Managing Director in 2014 and over the past six years has transformed Sontay into an international force within the building controls market, with global sales now standing at around 50%. “I’d like to thank everyone that I have worked with – suppliers, customers, employees,” says Sandy. “Thank you for coming with me on this transformational journey; you all adapted to the changes and worked together to make the best environment for us all. I’m proud to be leaving behind a company with solid foundations, not to mention the best executive team in the industry! I will miss Sontay’s winning culture and drive to makes things happen. The whole team will drive the company forwards, no matter what is happening in the world.”

Mark Newton will be succeeding Sandy as Managing Director and is the perfect fit for the job. Mark helped Sontay achieve sustained growth since joining the company as Sales Director in 2019. He has built a well-respected and dynamic sales team, and significantly strengthened customer relationships. Commenting on the global opportunities for the coming year Mark says: “Globally there are some noteworthy prospects in the Middle East’s commercial construction sector. Whilst we realise that 2021 is going to be a challenging year, we believe we can make it as seamless as possible by working together and doing the Sontay brand proud. I’m humbled to be working for a business which has such a brilliant working culture. Sontay is a great place to be and every day there will be something that reminds us why this is the case.”

Phil Berry has recently been promoted to National Sales Manager. Phil has been with Sontay for just over a year and has more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry. His passion has brought renewed energy to the southern area and he is delighted to take on the extended role of overseeing Sontay’s national presence, guiding and mentoring graduate, Marco, who will work alongside him. 

“I am delighted to be Mark Newton’s right-hand man in the UK,” Phil comments. “Sontay has a great work culture and ethic; everyone wants to help each other. The team spirit is one of the best I have seen! We have an outstanding group of customers who are on the same path as us. Our customer service and professionalism make my role all the more exciting.”

In line with its continued growth nationally and globally, Sontay has appointed a new member of the marketing team to increase brand awareness as the company moves into its new age. Charlie Joy joins as Marketing Assistant and will be working alongside Stacey Lucas, Commercial and Marketing Director. The building controls industry is a new territory for Charlie, however his experience and attitude will no doubt enable him to settle in quickly. “This is a completely new industry for me. Yet, coming from a job where I worked across a range of different companies, I’ve always relished the opportunity to throw myself in and learn the ins and outs of a new market. With Sontay, I get to focus purely on one!”

We have also recruited Ryan Horner into the Warehouse Team to support our excellent Despatch and Goods-In Departments.

The last quarter of 2020 marks an exciting period for Sontay. The company looks forward to a brighter 2021, with all the great possibilities the year will hold.