Shop with the trade professionals!
Online sales for both trade & public.
Meet The Team
We have had a few changes recently so please get to know the team here at kawstore® who are always on hand to offer advice, assistance and high standards of customer service.
All our staff have different and valuable skill sets alongsdie the drive to serve you over the counter or phone professionally, with access to the stock profile of a national firm but with the care an attention of the family business we are.
Richard Westlake: Managing Director
Richard has been the mainstay of the business for over 20 years, growing it from solely an ironmongery wholesalers into what we are today. Now semi-retired, Richard’s main focus is development of the company’s website and ecommerce, as well as keeping a close eye on the rest of the staff, our competitors and suppliers!
Outside of work Richard enjoys his model railway and days out with the family.
Brew- black tea or coffee, no sugar
Favourite film- American Graffiti
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Lesley Westlake: Director
Lesley is also semi-retired now, but still takes a keen interest in the business she has worked so hard on building. Les will assist Sarah on the admin side, and is always on hand for advice and opinion.
Les plans to enjoy her retirement by having lots of holidays, days out with her family and gardening.
Brew – black tea or coffee, no sugar
Favourite film- Moana
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Ben Westlake Dip.GAI: Branch Manager
Ben is back! After nearly 2 years working for a tool wholesaler, Ben has returned to oversee the day to day running of the branch. Ben is fully qualified to carry out ironmongery take offs and specifications, having received the Bronze award Diploma from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers in 2016. If he doesn’t know the answer, he will know where to find it!
Out of work Ben is on the golf course as much as possible, or spending time with his family
Brew- white tea, no sugar
Favourite film- Good Morning Vietnam
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Sarah Westlake BA (hons): Marketing Manager
Sarah joined the family business in 2019 to help Les in the office, and to push the business into the 21st century world of social media and ecommerce. Sarah’s friendly telephone manner means she is a hit with our customers, and nothing is too much trouble. Sarah can often be found in the kitchen making the team hot drinks or lunch!
Out of work Sarah enjoys socializing with friends and family
Brew – white tea or coffee, no sugar
Favourite film- Finding Nemo
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Kai Barnett - Sales and Warehouse Supervisor
Kai joined Kawstore mid way through 2023 and has gone from strength to strength. He recieved the position of supervisor wtih effect from 1st January 2025 after proving himself as a reliable, focused, driven and capable member of the team. He has an eye for merchandising and is always the first to offer help to customers and colleagues alike.
Out of work Kai is a keen skateboarder and bmx rider, often to be found down the skate parks locally.
Brew – Tea, white, 3 sugars
Favourite film- Lord of the Rings Trilogy
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Alex Cameron – Sales and Good in
Alex joined us in 2024 and works tirelessly to make sure supplier deliveries are booked in and booked out ensuring our customers get notified as quick as possible. This is Alex's first real experience of a retail based environment and whilst his knoweldge is still on the path of growth, his willingness to help and learn has made him a valuable member of the team.
Out of work Alex is generally a chill guy.
Brew – doesn't tend to have one - how does he survive in this industry
Favourite film- Kingsman
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Ben Sharp – Sales counter
Ben is our classic version of a cheeky chappy on the trade counter, expect product knowledge and banter when you visit us. Ben is on his second stint at Kawstore, rejoining in 2020 (he loves it so much he couldn’t stay away!).
Out of work Ben can often be found watching live football, particularly his beloved Liverpool
Brew – tea, white, 2 sugars
Favourite film- Blazing Saddles
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