BHETA is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Smith as Sector Manager for Housewares & Small Domestic Electricals (SEA), as well as Director of Sales for Exclusively.
Claire joined the association on 2 July and succeeds Seema Grantham, who will remain with BHETA throughout July to support a smooth transition.
Claire has more than 20 years of retail buying experience, and has held senior positions with a number of leading retailers, including Next, Dobbies, Blue Diamond, Beales, TJX and Voisins. Her extensive knowledge of the housewares and small electricals sectors, combined with a strong network of industry contacts, will further strengthen BHETA’s support for members and retailer engagement activities.
Having attended the Exclusively Show as a buyer for many years, Claire also brings valuable first-hand insight into the priorities of both exhibitors and retailers. This experience will support the continued development of Exclusively and help drive value for members operating across the housewares and small domestic electricals sectors.
Commenting on the appointment, BHETA General Manager Steve Richardson said:
"We are delighted that Claire has joined BHETA. She brings a great mix of retail insight, commercial experience and strong relationships across the sector. Her perspective as a former buyer, combined with her understanding of the market, puts her in an excellent position to support our members and help us build on the progress we have made in housewares, small electricals and Exclusively.
"Claire joins at an important time for the sector, and I am looking forward to working with her as we continue to strengthen retailer engagement, develop member services and grow the value we provide through BHETA and Exclusively."
Claire Smith added:
"I am really pleased to have joined BHETA and to be taking on this role. Having worked with many suppliers over the years and attended Exclusively as a buyer, I have seen first-hand the value the association and the show bring to the sector.
"I am looking forward to meeting members, listening to their priorities and working with the team to build on the strong foundations already in place. Retailer engagement, sector insight and the continued development of Exclusively will all be key areas of focus."
Steve also paid tribute to Seema Grantham for her contribution to the association over the past seven years:
"Seema is a well-known and trusted figure in the industry and has played an important role in strengthening member engagement and developing Exclusively. We are very grateful for everything she has done and for her continued support during the handover."
Claire’s appointment reflects BHETA’s ongoing commitment to supporting suppliers across the housewares and small domestic electricals sectors.
