The latest business to join Buildbase is Argyll Building Supplies. From the first day after acquisition in early November its two branches began trading under a new identity. The 1.2-acre site at Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay was relaunched as Islay Buildbase while the two-acre branch at Campbeltown became Argyll Buildbase.

The highly experienced management team remain with the business. Michael Kelly is general manager for both branches while John Boyle is assistant branch manager at Islay and Graeme Spoat is branch manager at Campbeltown. The branches join Scotland Central region. “In coming months there’ll be some investment to smarten up the premises and new additions including a kitchen and bathroom showroom and some plumbing and roofing materials,” says Michael. “We’re known predominantly for our timber and sheet materials so it’ll be good to expand into new areas.”

Like many Buildbase businesses, this is a family firm that was started by Michael’s father and brother-in-law. In October 1998 they opened the first branch of the timber and builders merchant on Islay and added a second depot in Campbeltown in June 2006.

“We’re quite involved in the local community and help out with sponsorship for local gala days, or support for local schools,” says Michael. “Although we’re part of a larger organisation now we’ll be able to stay a local business in many ways.”