Specialist supplier of PVC building products, General Building Plastics, has promoted Anthony Hammond to the position of head of online sales.

The appointment comes as sales via its website and online channels break all records for the business, with volumes from one of the online platforms for the first four months of 2015 exceeding its figure for the whole of 2014, and the website accounting for over 12% of all existing sales for the business across its Midlands network of trade counters that includes its Rugeley head office.

Mr Hammond, an IT and CRM specialist with more than five years’ experience, joined General Building Plastics last year to support the company’s growing online activities, to deliver its online strategy, and further enhance customer service and support.

As online sales have continued to rise, General Building Plastics has extended Mr Hammond’s role and plans for its dedicated online sales team. Under his leadership as head of online sales, the company now plans to recruit for a number of new positions, including an apprenticeship, over the next few months.

Wendy Hill, director at General Building Plastics, said: “The majority of online sales are via our website, which we launched in 2010 and integrates with our sales and CRM systems. We also sell via Amazon, which we set up in 2012, and since 2008 on eBay, both of which contribute significantly to our overall online sales channels.

“We have built up a sizeable base of customers who are very comfortable and happy to buy our products online, and this is very much a rapidly growing area for General Building Plastics. We are committed to maintaining excellent customer service online, which reflects the commitment at each of our trade counters, and Anthony is spearheading supporting and delivering this strategy.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr Hammond said: “Each of our online platforms are a growing sales channel for General Building Plastics and we have experienced sustained growth in the volume of orders across the range of products, especially this year. Everyone is increasingly familiar and comfortable with buying online, and our range of PVC building products are no exception – what makes the difference for our customers is our high level of customer service that remains personal and not formulaic or robotic.

“I am delighted with the new role and to be spearheading the online aspect of the business.”