We recently awarded Louise, our Business Development Manager (BDM) for Bristol, North Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, South and West Wales, the accolade of sales person of the year.This achievement comes down to sheer hard work and a substantial sales increase in her dedicated area last year.

Our marketing manager, Alex Fuidge, discusses Louise’s work, her kitchen, our first Caple Studio and more:

I had previously worked as an administrator/buyer for my family business. As I had previously studied interior design, I felt the opportunity to work in the kitchen industry for a family-run company would be the best step forward.

I started working in the sales office at Caple in July 2004. Then, 12 months later, I moved into the kitchen and bedroom furniture department. Following this, I took on my role as a BDM for Bristol, North Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, South and, more recently, West Wales and I have never looked back.

Which category is your favourite in the Caple brand?

Without a doubt, my favourite category is wine cabinets. There is something for every taste and budget, from built-in, single-zone to freestanding triple-zone models. In fact, I have a Caple wine cabinet in my kitchen, which I use regularly. I enjoy a glass of perfectly chilled wine after a busy day and when entertaining family and friends.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

I really enjoy building relationships with my customers. There is such variety in my job, which means that each day is completely different; this sometimes includes experiencing the unexpected!

Which appliance is currently your favourite (and why)?

My favourite appliance is currently the C2600ss electric pyrolytic single oven. I think the Roast function on this model is incredible. Also, the Wi-Fi connection instantly takes the pressure out of feeding a family. With an easy-to-use CapleHome app, which was designed in-house, you can programme your own multi-stage cooking functions and save preferred settings.

Which kitchen furniture particularly appeals to you?

My favourite collection would have to be our in-frame range. I personally prefer a more traditional style, because it’s timeless. This collection really is special and it features luxurious touches, such as dovetail joints on the drawers.

Living in a period property meant there were a few obstacles we had to encounter when it came to the overall fitting. For example, the floor was uneven and the walls are naturally wonky! However, some of these original details make the room instantly feel more appealing.

I chose the Caple Leigh Painted furniture in a beautiful cream finish for my kitchen. After all, this would suit a more traditional setting, which would be more in-keeping with the period of my property. Although this style may no longer be available, you’ll find some very similar designs in our painted furniture portfolio here.

I picked a range cooker, Caple ceramic sink and Shaftsbury tap to enhance a timeless aesthetic. Other highlights include our American-style fridge-freezer, integrated dishwasher and washing machine. However, I think the Caple wine cabinet is my statement appliance and it completes the look perfectly. I actually tiled the room myself and it’s really satisfying to have played a major part in the overall style and design.

These days, I love spending time in my kitchen; it’s my favourite place to be at weekends as it’s super-stylish and very cosy. I really love cooking and I enjoy experimenting with Oriental-inspired dishes when entertaining friends and family. I tend to pick a perfectly-chilled bottle of wine from my cabinet to serve for the finishing touch.

I was blown away when I first saw it – the design concepts are absolutely stunning! I must admit I am extremely fortunate to live locally. So, I can invite my customers to visit and view our high-performance products. This showroom will also help to raise further awareness of the brand. Our Caple Experience Centre, situated next door, has already been a great asset for me this year. In fact, this area gives my customers the chance to see some of our high-performance appliances in action.

I am excited I can now bring customers to our Caple Studio. This will give them the chance to experience the quality they can expect from our comprehensive portfolio. The high-performance products in our Caple Studio range from appliances and furniture to sinks, taps and handles. As I have recently taken on the West Wales area in my role as a BDM, this studio provides a perfect base to help me work closely with new customers for years to come.