Long-established housewares figure John Bott has announced his intention to step back from the business from the beginning of next year. John, who set up his successful sales agency business Mistral Brands in 2010 after a career spanning 20 years in the industry, currently works in the UK with two suppliers: Dutch housewares company Mepal and Denmark’s F&H Scandinavia whose brands include Zone Denmark, Rosti, Sodahl and Bitz.
“We have just come through two years of lockdown, and nearly eighteen months of the post Brexit shambles,” reflects John. “Despite this both of my suppliers remain in a healthy position within the UK market, so I feel that the time is now right to move on to try new things and perhaps to enjoy a better work-life balance!”
He continues: “I don’t like the word retirement but effectively this will be the start of the process. The decision has been entirely mine and I will continue to work with both suppliers until the end of the year to ensure a smooth handover.”
Mistral Brands will be exhibiting with Mepal at The Exclusively Show (June 14-15, Islington Business Design Centre, stand 120). He confides: “Like a lot of people, I’m looking forward to Exclusively as a welcome return to some normality and for me it will be a great chance to catch up with both customers and old friends.”
John will update his customers regarding new arrangements later in the year to ensure smooth running handovers for stockists of Mepal and F&H Scandinavia’s brands.
Top: John Bott (centre) accepted The Excellence in Homewares Award for Mepal’s Cirula Multi Bowls, presented by the IHA’s Mark Adkison at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2018 (with Awards host Tania Edwards).
