Howard Strowman, the larger-than-life owner of PST, the UK's best known excess inventory broker, has recruited Kevin Harper, Ideal Hardware's former sales director and fellow larger-than-life character.

Harper, the biggest shareholder in InterX, is to take a 20 per cent stake in PST - which could cost him up to £2m. He will work two days a week at the business. "I will be looking to legitimise the image of the Howard's business," Harper said. "PST has been evolving and changing already - we're now looking to add to the service side of the business."

Historically, PST operates as the undertaker and embalmer to the PC industry. The company buys surplus stock, usually at a knockdown price but it pays upfront and in cash, and thnen resells the equipment through brokerage channels in the UK and overseas. ®

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