After six years of successfully building the BergHOFF brand in the UK and almost 35 years in the housewares industry, Andrew Leggett and wife Paula have announced they are sadly stepping down due to Andrew’s ill health.
Andrew said: “I’m proud to have been an ambassador for BergHOFF in the UK and it’s given me immense pleasure to see the brand flourish in the high street and online, especially given the tough economic challenges we’ve faced.
I was diagnosed with MND (Motor Neurone Disease) in 2017. My friends in the industry will know that I’m not one to crave attention, so Paula and I have kept my condition as private as we could up until now. However the time has come for Paula and I to take life at a slower pace and I know we’re leaving the company in good hands with our dedicated and supportive team in the UK.”
The company’s management reins will be passed to BergHOFF Worldwide’s owner Raf Vanthoor who will oversee the running of the UK business. “I will always be grateful to Raf for his continued support, both from a business and personal perspective” added Andrew “and I’m confident that Raf’s prolific focus on product development will continue to add much needed newness to the worldwide market.”
Paula Leggett, marketing director, commented “Andy’s commitment to the business has been astounding, especially given the physical challenges he’s facing. His determination and professionalism, even on his most difficult days, never fail to amaze me. BergHOFF has been our passion and our ‘baby’ right from when we launched the brand at Spring Fair in 2014, and whilst I am now taking time out to care for Andy, I hope to return to the business at a later date.”
Top: Andrew and Paula Leggett.
