Trilanco co-founder Derek Balmer has died at the age of 85.
Derek and his wife, Sylvia, established Trilanco, first known as Triam Lancashire, in 1979 specialising in agricultural products.
Throughout the 80s, Derek steered the wholesale business to continue its growth, recognising the importance of good, technical advice and excellent customer service and building the business on those principles.
In the 90s as the business grew, demand for equine and pet products saw Trilanco expand its portfolio. This decade also saw the premises slowly increase its size to accommodate the growing customer database and stock list expansion.
In the late 90s, Derek took a step back from the day-to-day running of the business and handed over the reins to his son, Martin, although Mr Balmer senior was always on hand and a familiar face at the office.
Derek and Sylvia regularly contributed to the Salvation Army – a charity close to their hearts.
Derek was a founder member of BDAM (British Distributors of Animax Medicines) and AHTAG (Animal Health Trade Association Group), now known as AHDA.
Always a family business, the Blackpool-based pet equine and agricultural wholesaler employs more than 120 people including office, warehouse staff and area sales managers/national accounts managers out on the road.
Derek’s ethos was old-fashioned values of courtesy and service, which are still the values upheld by the company today.
Trilanco offers more than 250 quality brands and over 20,000 products from leading manufacturers from around the world in its current catalogue.
Trilanco moved to a new £7m premises in January 2017 and celebrated its 40th year of trading in 2019.
