Managing director of surface materials supplier CDUK Andy Noble has bought the business from Gary Baker, son of the founder.

The company has been importing Corian since 1979,  following founder Geoff Baker and business partner Toni Hibbert finding the material on a business trip to Hong Kong.

Exclusive distributor for Corian in the UK and Ireland, CDUK established a network of design and fabrication partners.

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Business ownership was passed to Gary Baker, who joined CDUK in 2006, with Geoff Baker holding the role of chairman until his passing in 2021.

New owner Andy Noble joined CDUK as national sales manager in April 2013, was appointed managing director in 2020, and has over 17 years’ experience working in the surface industry.

The business rebranded in 2021 and, alongside Corian, CDUK has expanded its offering, developing partnerships with PaperStone, The 1810 Company and, more recently, The Good Plastic Company.

Outgoing owner and chairman at CDUK Gary Baker commented: “Since CDUK was founded nearly 45 years ago by my father and Toni Hibbert, we’ve prided ourselves on offering great service to our customers as well as being at the centre of the solid surface industry through distributing Corian.

“I am proud to be handing on the business to Andy with whom I have worked closely now for over 10 years.

“Over the last couple of years, Andy and his senior management team have taken on more and more responsibility for leading the business.

“It was really important to me to have a succession plan involving people who understand where CDUK has come from and who will maintain the values we have always held dear.

“At the same time, the company is in a great place to thrive and adapt to new challenges. I look forward to seeing how Andy and his team grow and develop the business in the future.”

Andy Noble, managing director at CDUK, commented: “I’m incredibly proud and lucky to have been given the unique opportunity to continue the market leading work established by Gary and his father Mr Baker over the last 44 years.

“We work with some excellent supply partners, not least Corian Solid Surface with whom we have a long-lasting and fruitful partnership, as well as some world class designers, fabricators and manufacturers who turn our surfaces into the outstanding applications and projects.

“Added to that is an enthusiastic, forward-thinking team at CDUK who I thoroughly enjoy working with.

“Having worked with them for 10 years, taking ownership of the company is a great opportunity and I’m very much looking forward to connecting with new communities and markets with a wider portfolio of surface solutions in the future.

“I’ve been extremely privileged to have spent many years working with Gary and Mr Baker. I thank them for everything that they have taught me and the opportunities they have given

“As we look to the future, we won’t forget our history. I’m certainly very optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

John Neill, country sales leader Corian Solid Surface, UK & Ireland, added: “We are delighted with the new announcement allowing CDUK to continue to thrive and service their customers with Corian Solid Surface.

“From marketing and specification through to technical support for our strong customer base, CDUK is an outstanding channel partner.

“We wish all the very best to Andy and the team as they transition ownership and look to go from strength to strength, building on our established history and positioned to grow with future developments in the market.”