After almost 46 years in the furniture trade, Alistair Philp, sales director at retailer Gillies, is to retire from day-to-day involvement in the business, on 31st March.
Known to be a fierce negotiator, Alistair was renowned for not shaking a supplier’s hand until “the price was right”, says the retailer.
Alistair joined the company when Gillies had only one branch, in Broughty Ferry. Later during his tenure, Gillies opened branches in Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness, and also purchased Grampian Furnishers in Elgin.
"Alistair started in the business licking stamps as a school kid, and over the years has carried out almost every job including estimating, auctioneering and measuring, before finding his forte negotiating with suppliers," says Gillies. "He remains an active member of the board of directors of Gillies and will continue to attend major trade shows for the foreseeable future."
Alistair states that the business is in good hands, with two of his fellow directors, his sons David and Christopher, and another director, his nephew Ewan, holding the reins, alongside MD Tom Rodgers.
Tom expresses his thanks to Alistair for building "not just a profitable business, but a legacy sturdy enough to last generations".
Chairman, Euan Webster, also expressed his thanks, adding that under Alistair’s guidance the company has grown its turnover, margins had increased and the business had performed well consistently.
Alistair says he intends to spend his time planning "many holidays" including cruises, and keeping active playing padel, tennis and and golf.
