From left: Managing director, Andy Noble, takes over the business ownership from Gary Baker
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Leeds-based supplier of surface materials and complementary products, CDUK, announces a change of ownership that sees Managing Director, Andy Noble, acquiring the business from Gary Baker.
Founded over 40 years ago by Geoff Baker and business partner Toni Hibbert, CDUK has built a strong reputation as the exclusive distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland.
Mr Baker, as he was known at work, discovered Corian Solid Surface on a business trip in 1976 while on the hunt for a product that could be used to create an integrated basin for bathroom vanity units. In Hong Kong, he learned about Corian, the material manufactured by US materials giant DuPont, which set Geoff firmly on the path to success. Since then, CDUK has become one of the world’s largest purchasers of Corian® Solid Surface and has been a key player in creating the UK and Ireland solid surface market.
Since 1979, CDUK has developed a highly skilled and creative network of design and fabrication partners and helped to advance the range of solutions and applications for the market-leading surface material. Business ownership was then passed to Geoff’s son Gary, who joined the CDUK family in 2006. Geoff held the role of Chairman until his passing in 2021.
The announcement of the change in ownership is a testament to the vision and dedication of the Baker family, who built a successful and resilient business that can foresee and respond to shifts in market trends and changes in customer behaviour.
The new owner, Andy Noble, joined CDUK as National Sales Manager in April 2013 and was appointed Managing Director in 2020. Andy carries over 17 years’ experience working in the surface industry and, working closely with Gary Baker, has contributed to changing the perception of the business from a material supplier to a trusted design partner for architects, designers and fabricators.
Under his direction, CDUK has continued to expand its offering to grow with its customers and market demands. This has resulted in a series of exclusive partnerships with leading innovative brands including PaperStone®, The 1810 Company and, more recently, The Good Plastic Company, as well as in a stronger and successful relationship with DuPont as the sole distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland. In line with its innovative ethos, in 2021, CDUK went through a rebrand that showcased its evolution and its ongoing journey towards continued success with its loyal customers and new partners.
With Andy having been part of the CDUK team for over ten years, the change in ownership demonstrates his belief in and commitment to the company and its progressive future. Together with his leadership team, Andy will continue to build on the legacy and values of the Baker family, providing customers and the wider design community with innovative solutions and expert advice to deliver outstanding projects that will last the test of time whilst being kinder to our planet.
Gary Baker, outgoing owner and chairman at CDUK, comments: “Since CDUK was founded nearly 45 years ago by my father and Toni Hibbert, we’ve prided ourselves on offering great service to our customers as well as being at the centre of the solid surface industry through distributing Corian. I am proud to be handing on the business to Andy with whom I have worked closely now for over 10 years.
“Over the last couple of years, Andy and his senior management team have taken on more and more responsibility for leading the business. It was really important to me to have a succession plan involving people who understand where CDUK has come from and who will maintain the values we have always held dear. At the same time, the company is in a great place to thrive and adapt to new challenges. I look forward to seeing how Andy and his team grow and develop the business in the future.”
Andy Noble, managing director at CDUK, comments: “I’m incredibly proud and lucky to have been given the unique opportunity to continue the market leading work established by Gary and his father Mr Baker over the last 44 years. We work with some excellent supply partners, not least Corian Solid Surface with whom we have a long-lasting and fruitful partnership, as well as some world class designers, fabricators and manufacturers who turn our surfaces into the outstanding applications and projects.
“Added to that is an enthusiastic, forward-thinking team at CDUK who I thoroughly enjoy working with. Having worked with them for ten years, taking ownership of the company is a great opportunity and I’m very much looking forward to connecting with new communities and markets with a wider portfolio of surface solutions in the future.
I’ve been extremely privileged to have spent many years working with Gary and Mr Baker. I thank them for everything that they have taught me and the opportunities they have given me. As we look to the future, we won’t forget our history. I’m certainly very optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
John Neill, country sales leader Corian Solid Surface, UK & Ireland, comments: “We are delighted with the new announcement allowing CDUK to continue to thrive and service their customers with Corian Solid Surface. From marketing and specification through to technical support for our strong customer base, CDUK is an outstanding channel partner. We wish all the very best to Andy and the team as they transition ownership and look to go from strength to strength, building on our established history and positioned to grow with future developments in the market.”
