David Thomas, managing director of TW Thomas in Swansea, and three-time kbbreview Award winner, has sadly passed away.
Thomas entered the KBB industry in 1962, when he joined builders’ merchant TW Thomas – a family business since its inception in 1864 – immediately after finishing school. He eventually became managing director after his father retired.
Under his leadership, Thomas maintained the business’ status as a successful supplier of building and plumbing materials, bathrooms, kitchens and fireplaces.
He also oversaw the company’s move to its current premises in Lion Way, Swansea in 1994. Along with the move, he decided to drop the company’s builders’ merchant arm, to focus entirely on retailing bathrooms and tiles.
A statement from the company said: “David was greatly respected by all of his staff, some of whom have worked for the company for over 44 years. They say he was a good friend as well a wonderful employer and he will be missed greatly.”
Outside of TW Thomas, David Thomas was also a respected figure across the bathroom sector, having won three kbbreview Awards. He was the recipient of a Marketing in Bathrooms award in 1999, Master Bathroom Retailer of the Year award in 2000, and the Bathroom Customer Service award in 2020 – all accolades which he was extremely proud of.
Following his passing, David Thomas is survived by his wife Julie, sons Simon and Andrew and five grandchildren. Andrew has also been part of TW Thomas for over 25 years, and the company has assured the industry that it will “continue to be a successful company for many years to come”.
Thomas’ funeral is scheduled to take place at 12:30 on July 1, at St. Peter’s Church in Newton, Swansea, followed by a committal at Swansea Crematorium at 2pm.