ABOUT US.

As a family company that’s been in business for over 55 years, we have a reputation for excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff, and are partners with the biggest brands in the industry.

Nationwide
coverage

Rent, lease and buy appliances

55+ years of expertise

OUR STORY

GILLMAN’S: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1969

Established in the historic city of Gloucester in 1969 by the visionary Erika and John Gillman, GILLMAN’S is more than a business – it is a testament to the enduring values of family, commitment, and exceptional service. Today, Annabelle and Robert Gillman, the second generation of the Gillman family, proudly carry forward the legacy as the current owners and directors of this esteemed establishment.

The Gillman family’s commitment to excellence extends to the third generation, where John, Sarah, and Richard Gillman, distinguished by their decades of service, hold pivotal roles as senior directors. Their unwavering dedication has played a pivotal role in shaping GILLMAN’S into a paragon of reliability and professionalism.

Operating from our headquarters & retail showroom in Gloucester, a secondary retail enclave in Ross-On-Wye, and a state-of-the-art commercial showroom in the thriving city of Exeter, GILLMAN’S has positioned itself as a prominent presence in the realm of appliances. As of January 2023, our dynamic and dedicated team comprises of over 80 individuals, all contributing to the success and reputation that GILLMAN’S enjoys today.

At the heart of our ethos lies a profound pride in our extensive product knowledge, an unyielding commitment to customer service, and the distinction of being a truly independent, family-run enterprise. GILLMAN’S is more than a business; it is a sanctuary for those seeking excellence in both products and services.

In our journey towards distinction, we take immense pride in being the one-stop destination for all commercial and domestic appliance needs. Whether it be a retail purchase or service requirements, GILLMAN’S promises an unparalleled experience. Join us in our commitment to quality, legacy, and the timeless values that have defined GILLMAN’S for over five decades.

Jamie Baron

Head of Commercial and Professional Appliance Sales

Jamie has been with Gillman’s for over 15 years, and has a total of 23 years experience of working in the appliance industry, he’s been working in the commercial appliance team for around 10 years supporting our customers in Wales, the Midlands and Northern England.

Jamie likes to ensure he offers equipment that suits his customers’ needs, so is always very thorough in understanding his customers existing processes to recommend suitable solutions. Jamie has a wealth of product knowledge and experience to assist with laundry planning, detergency, disinfection, ware washing, laundry machine programming and other specialist applications such as Wet Cleaning. 

Despite selling ironers for many years Jamie still hasn’t mastered the art of feeding a rotary ironer despite numerous attempts by his customers to teach him, but is a lot better with a hand iron! Jamie is an active member of the Almost Athletes running club in Cheltenham entering regular races around the county, and also coaches a football group for overweight players, supporting the players with weight loss and their mental health.

Hugh Howes

Commercial Sales Manager // M4 Corridor

Hugh has worked with Gillman’s  approaching 3 years now. Having previously worked in the waste management industry, where he originally assisted Robert Gillman with supply of his waste compactor.

Hugh has stated what he loves about working in this industry is that no enquiry is the same. He gets to meet different people in all different business sectors,  all with challenges.

Hugh’s ethos as a sales person is based around honesty and conviction that we can offer you the service that he would expect himself . As a family business, we really are able to uphold these values, hence why he chose to work for Gillman’s.

Outside of work Hugh is a keen golfer, who loves cooking and spending time with his family.

John Cook

Commercial Sales Manager // South Coast & Devon

saving joined the commercial laundry industry in the early 1970’s with the largest manufacturer of commercial laundry equipment as a technician, John soon found out that our customer’s discerning requirement is for high quality, clean laundry, (both biologically and visually). delivered in time, and within budget.

With the ever-expanding laundry industry and its demanding commercial laundry requirements, together with his increasing knowledge of this market he then decided to join the commercial laundry sales team during the 1980’s.

Since then it has become his mission to look after customers, embracing the changes in laundry technology and more importantly recognising the need for these vital industries requirements and the technical support that must go along with it.

Together with our dedicated team of like-minded industry professionals, we can deliver the complete solution for any laundry, detergent solution Including commercial refrigeration and dish ware operations for all health care, hospitality, launderette and commercial laundry operation.

Simon Cotton

Commercial Sales Manager //Wales & Midlands

With over 35 years of experience in the service industry, I have built a strong and respected career, previously serving as an Area Service Manager. My background includes hands-on roles such as Field Service Engineer, Area Manager, and Regional Service Manager, giving me a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and commercial service operations across the UK and Ireland.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to leadership, with a proven ability to motivate teams, drive performance, with products sales and deliver exceptional customer service. I have a deep knowledge of customer service processes and have successfully implemented strategies to improve team engagement and exceed key performance targets.

 

This gives me a sound foundation for working with new clients in offering them the correct commercial solution for their business.

Outside of work, I enjoy mountain biking, working on DIY projects, and spending quality time with my family.

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