After 25 years, one of the founders of upholstery brand Ashley Manor and CEO of DM Midlands Group, David Lee, has announced his decision to enter semi-retirement.
“It is not possible to sum up 25 years in a few words and I don’t intend to try," he says. "All I will say is that the long road travelled since starting out as a fresh-faced 24-year old with no track record or experience of running a furniture business, to making our group of companies arguably the biggest in the UK, is, and always will be, both a tremendous source of pride to me and testament to the hard work and dedication of our team who helped make this dream a reality.
"The high esteem with which this company is held by our customers, suppliers and peers, tells me that we have done a lot of good things for a long time and hopefully will continue to do so long after I have gone.”
He remains on the board of directors as an advisor.
David's business partner Mark Smith, co-founder of the AMX and Alexander and James upholstery companies, will take over the running of the group.
“I would like to thank David for an amazing journey," says Mark, currently group MD. "As the business moves into the next chapter, our shared passion and drive will continue with the amazing team we have built over many years. We’ve had an amazing working relationship and I wish David the absolute best for this next life stage in which he can no doubt enjoy the fruits of his labour.”