Ray Stafford has been appointed as managing director of Williams & Co, the trade-only plumbing and heating merchant.

Mr Stafford has been with the company for 25 years, and until recently was commercial director. He will be responsible for the operational and commercial activities of the business.

He says "It will be a challenge and a pleasure to continue to develop the unique Williams brand and trading style through the next phase of expansion."

Founder and former MD Mick Williams continues to be active in the business as Executive Chairman, taking specific responsibility for strategic relationships and for commercialising renewable technologies.

Williams & Co is a trade only specialist heating and plumbing merchant, with 18 branches in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. A 19th branch is due to open in Croydon in May 2011, with several more planned for the next two years.