Yorkshire wine merchants toasts new appointment

Award-winning Yorkshire wine merchants Firth & Co have announced the appointment of Richard Pickles as senior sales representative, marking a significant step in the company’s growth.

Richard, a seasoned professional in the wine industry, reunites with Andrew Firth, founder and managing director of Firth & Co, having previously worked together at the renowned Thirsk-based wine merchants Playford Ros.

With a career spanning national roles at Bibendum and Enotria & Coe, Richard has extensive experience in selling premium wines to restaurants across the North and London. 

He officially starts his new role on Monday 3, further strengthening Firth & Co’s offerings to its prestigious clientele, including The Star at Harome, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall and The Angel at Hetton.

Richard said: “This is a very exciting move for me and I am delighted to be working with Andrew again, one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable wine merchants in the UK.

“His drive and passion have established Firth & Co’s reputation as a formidable player in the wine and spirits sector in the North – and beyond.

“After many years working for successful national wine companies across England and Scotland, it’s now the perfect time to return closer to my North Yorkshire home and to join up with some of the great names of the Yorkshire hospitality sector. 

“I will be assisting Andrew, his deputy William Tilling and the fantastic Firth & Co team to introduce exciting independently sourced wines to the best restaurants and bars in the North.

“Firth & Co already supply some of the finest hospitality venues in the region and I look forward to adding to the illustrious list.”

Andrew added: “This is a crucially important appointment for us as we continue to expand across the North of England. 

“It’s 10 years now since we moved to our spacious premises at Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, and we have grown steadily year on year.

“Richard’s appointment will take us to the next level.”

William added: “I’m delighted that Richard has joined our team. His experience and expertise, together with his enthusiasm, will make him a tremendous asset for us.

“We have established a strong reputation for being a niche supplier of excellent European wines at competitive prices. 

“We pride ourselves on a swift and personal service and are proud of the fact that we supply some of the very best hotels and restaurants in Yorkshire and the North East.”

“We also run a very successful bespoke private customer service, providing wines for clients across Yorkshire and the North East. 

“Over the past decade, our flagship premises have enabled us to provide an ever better service, with a wider selection of quality wines, predominantly from Europe, but also from the New World, too.”

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