The next chapter for Huws Gray
Rapid growth, integration and a renewed identity are shaping Huws Gray’s future. Daksh Gupta, Group CEO, discusses unifying a complex business, the thinking behind the rebrand and the importance of strong partnerships.
From growth to integration
Huws Gray’s transformation into a £1.5bn+ Group has been rapid, evolving from a regional merchant into a major UK player in a relatively short space of time. For Daksh Gupta, Huws Gray Group CEO who joined in 2024, the priority is now clear: integration.
Bringing together multiple businesses, aligning teams and creating a more unified organisation are key priorities. Rather than focusing on past growth, the emphasis is on building structure, consistency and direction across the Group.
Gupta’s leadership style is grounded in a people-first approach. As he explains, he prioritises engagement, describing himself as “a people person at heart”. Adding, “This mindset is central to navigating the complexities of a multi-site business, where success depends on how effectively teams operate across the network.”
“You can have the best price, but if the service is poor, then the price is academic.”
Daksh Gupta
CEO
Huws Gray Group
Partnerships that deliver
In a challenging and competitive market, supplier relationships remain fundamental to success. For Huws Gray, these partnerships are built on long-term value rather than short-term transactions.
Gupta is clear that strong relationships must work both ways, noting that “there has to be a mutually beneficial relationship that helps both parties meet their objectives.” Competitive pricing is important, but it is only part of the equation.
Service and reliability are equally critical. “You can have the best price, but if the service is poor, then the price is academic,” he adds. In practice, this means working closely with suppliers to ensure consistent product availability, strong support and effective problem-solving.
Navigating today’s market
The current market presents a range of pressures for merchants, from rising costs and margin pressure to softer demand and increased competition. External factors such as interest rates and the cost of living continue to influence customer behaviour, often leading to more cautious spending.
As Gupta acknowledges, “There’s pressure on revenue, pressure on margin and rising costs across the board,” creating a challenging environment across the supply chain.
In response, merchants are focusing on what they can control by improving operational efficiency, strengthening customer relationships and maintaining high service levels.
Maintaining standards across the network
With more than 300 trading locations, consistency across the network is critical. For Gupta, maintaining standards comes down to a combination of people, process and communication.
A clear focus has been placed on strengthening recruitment, induction and training, alongside improving internal communication. While technology and data play an important role in tracking performance and customer experience, culture remains the foundation. As Gupta describes, “It’s a people business and it’s a relationship business as well.”
Creating one identity
The recent rebrand marks a significant step in bringing the business together under a single direction.
Following a period of rapid expansion, the need for greater alignment across the Group became clear. The rebrand was not simply about updating visual identity, but about creating a unified business with a shared purpose. As Gupta explains, “We needed to create one identity, as a One Huws Gray, and reset the direction of the business.”
The result is a more modern and cohesive brand that reflects the scale and ambition of the organisation. More importantly, it will support consistency across branches and reinforces a shared identity for employees and customers.
What comes next
Looking ahead, Gupta believes success will be defined by a combination of culture, capability and adaptability.
“Those merchants that focus on people, culture, diversity and technology are the ones that will do really well,” he says.
For Huws Gray, the focus remains on integration, consistency and long-term growth, building a business that delivers a reliable, high-quality experience for customers across the UK.
