Strand Hardware Boss Marks Quarter Century of Leadership

  • 21 Mar 2025

Strand Hardware is celebrating a remarkable career milestone, as Company Chair Catherine Franks marks 25 years with the company.

Since joining the business in 1999, Catherine has been instrumental in its growth and development, solidifying Strand Hardware’s position as a leading supplier of high-quality door and window hardware solutions.

Strand Hardware was founded in 1991 by Jonathan Franks. His daughter, Catherine, stepped into the business in 1999, later taking over as Managing Director in 2006. In 2022, she transitioned into the role of Company Chair, continuing to provide strategic direction and leadership. Under her direction, the company has expanded its portfolio, strengthened relationships with European manufacturers and enhanced its reputation for technical expertise and customer service.

Reflecting on her 25-year journey, Catherine says: “It has been an incredible experience to grow with the company and see how the industry has evolved over the years. Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality products and exceptional service and I’m proud to be part of a team that shares these values.

“Moving into the role of Company Chair has allowed me to focus on the long-term strategy of the business while supporting the fantastic team we have in place.”

Craig Fox, Sales Director, adds: “Catherine’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in the success of Strand Hardware. Her deep industry knowledge, commitment to excellence, and dedication to customer service have made a lasting impact. We are excited to continue building on her legacy as we drive the company forward.”

Customer-centric

Strand Hardware is well known for its customer-centric approach, offering bespoke solutions and expert guidance to its customers. The company remains the exclusive UK distributor for several European brands, reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation.

Beyond her role at Strand Hardware, Catherine has been actively involved in the industry, serving on the judging panel for the GAI/RIBA Specification awards and more recently, she co-founded Strand Technologies, to enable expansion into technology-driven solutions for safety, security, and control.

For more information about Strand Hardware’s extensive range of products, visit www.strandhardware.co.uk or call 01922 639111.

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