Paul Sykes departs Apta after a decade of growth

Paul Sykes, Managing Director of Apta, has left the company that he owned prior to November 2019 when it was acquired by Ames. 

He led Apta since 2009 and has overseen the company’s transformation which saw sales triple over the period, entirely through organic growth.

Commenting on his departure Sykes told us that “it’s been a huge pleasure to lead Apta for the last decade, and to have had the opportunity to work with wonderful people in the garden trade, including so many customers who have become friends.

“I am really looking forward to seeing Apta flourish as part of the Ames family. Ames have huge ambition for the UK, and as the worldwide leader in garden products Apta couldn’t be in better hands”.

Paul North, Group Managing Director of Ames UK & Ireland, added, “We’re immensely grateful to  Paul for agreeing to stay at the helm of Apta to oversee its transition into  the Ames family.  Thanks to the great work Paul and his team have done its extremely well positioned for further growth, and we look forward to cementing Apta’s position as the number one pot and planter supplier in the UK”. 

Ames have retained Sykes to assist them with strategy and business development via his management consultancy, Catalyst Consulting Group. 

Ames UK & Ireland comprises Apta, Kelkay, La Hacienda, Woodshaw and True Temper in Ireland. The group has a turnover of £75m and is making significant investments to enable it to double sales to £150m within 5 years.