Meet the Team

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

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

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

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

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  

Chris Johnson: Assistant Buyer

Chris joined us in April 2025 to support Ben with buying to ensure we can offer the widest possible product range at the most competitive prices.

He has a wealth of experience, particuarly in the power tool market, where his wealth of knowledge is second to none, having worked locally in the industry for 15 years.

Whilst his primary role is purchasing he is entirely comfortable with all aspect of the business and excels in customer facing tasks.

Out of work Chris spends as much time as he can with his wife & young son.

Brew – coffee, coffee and more coffee!

Favourite film - 300