A family-run design company has recruited a business development director as it continues to build its national client base.
Restaurant Design Associates (RDA) based in South Tyneside, has appointed Connor Hickman to its senior team, to develop new client relationships and pinpoint new target markets.
Connor joins RDA from Compass Group, where he worked for 19 years, building a successful track record in sales and operations, including marketing, brand development, retention strategy, team development and financial control.
The firm has worked with Connor over the past five years on a range of university and hospital tenders and projects.
“I was attracted to work at RDA because it is a quality family-run business, with the capacity to grow and be responsive to market changes and demands,” says Connor. “As a past client of the company, I will also be able to share my views about what is important to help tailor RDA’s propositions to suit the market.
“My role adds a unique selling point to RDA, as we can offer clients my experience in sales and operations as part of the design process. This means that we can, in partnership with the clients, construct intelligent designs, giving customers an enhanced experience, increasing sales, reducing costs and being an essential part of their overall strategy.
“Over my career I have been fortunate enough to meet a lot of good people that now work for a variety of companies. I therefore have a good network of people that I can discuss mutual future working relationships with.”
Roy Addyman, director of RDA, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Connor to RDA, to further establish our reputation as being one of the leading design companies in the UK.
“This year we’ve won six contracts in the healthcare sector, at sites stretching from York to Somerset, and we have a range of other exciting projects in the pipeline including the redesign of a flagship restaurant, and a project for a large FM company.”
These contract wins are the latest in a line of national successes for the family firm, which was set up in 2007.
