BUILDBASE STAFF ARE TOP FUNDRAISERS FOR MACMILLAN

Macmillan Cancer Support is saying a big ‘thank you’ to Buildbase staff, customers and all friends and family who contributed to the impressive total of £106,549 that was raised for the charity in 2008/9.

Giant thank you cards are travelling around the branches as a very visible message for  employees and customers.  The centre of the card features photographs of some of the wonderful fundraising activities that helped Buildbase reach the final figure. 

There was special praise for each of the branches within Buildbase’s four divisions who raised the most funds per employee.  The winners were:  BMB Buildbase in South Kirkby (North); Edwards Buildbase in Redditch (Midlands); Islay Buildbase (Scotland) and BSG Buildbase in Barking (South).

The largest contribution from a single activity came from the ten runners in the Buildbase team who ran the Berlin Marathon last September.  Their contribution approached £20,000.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT HELPED BY BUILDBASE

Buildbase is giving its support to a new community initiative that will clean up neglected areas of the local community and restore local pride. Northwich Buildbase is donating a variety of decorating and gardening products to RAP, the “Respect Action Program”.

Run by Cheshire West & Chester Unitary Authority and the Cheshire Probation Service, the project involves offenders carrying out community service in the local area. Work includes the clear up of unsightly areas in the locality. Workers will remove fly tipped rubbish, paint over graffiti, smarten up vandalised buildings and carry out landscaping and gardening.

The Northwich branch is backing the project by donating painting and decorating materials, cleaning materials and P.P.E, wheelbarrows, rubble sacks etc.

Stuart Burton, manager at Northwich Buildbase, said: “This is a really worthwhile project and we’re pleased to give it our backing and support in a practical way. As a local builders merchant we’re an organisation that has long-standing links with Northwich and the surrounding area. We like to help community initiatives where we can and this is clearly something which benefits lots of different groups and will restore pride in the local community.

“We’re constantly being asked to support charities and local events and have to say no to many of them, however, I believe this is particularly worthwhile because it benefits everybody living and working within Cheshire West and Chester. This is a relatively new initiative in this area and will attract a lot of attention.”

NEW MACKINTOSH INSPIRED KITCHEN IS A WORK OF ART

A new kitchen, inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is the highlight of the Select luxury showrooms at Johnsons Buildbase in Oxford. 

Mackintosh earned world acclaim as a visionary in furniture, interior design and textiles and was a major force in the Art Nouveau movement at the turn of the 20th century.  Now the Mackintosh philosophy has inspired a range of contemporary and practical kitchens that reflect his artistic lines and motifs.

The dramatic showroom display at Buildbase incorporates a distinctive s-shaped island unit at its heart, echoed above by a canopy that houses the LED lighting.  At one end of the ‘snake island’ is a sink and a raised breakfast bar at the other.   The unit has its own hidden power supply so all appliances can be used here without wires crossing the floor.

The technology of Formula One has been used to create the quartz and metallic minerals worktop.  The Silestone range by Fernando Alonso is an advanced quartz surface that is high resistance yet has added benefits including Microban anti-bacterial protection.

An elegant high-gloss ivory finish on the units complements the linear walnut veneer of the central island. For sleek lines the cupboard doors have no handles and are opened by gently pressing the corner of each door.  If handles are specified the range has a wonderful selection that reflect the design emblems so unique to the Mackintosh style.

Appliances including fridge, freezer, microwave and wine cooler are discretely housed in a bank of cupboards across one wall of the kitchen.  Another wall features dresser unit including a flat screen tv and lit display cabinets.

The Buildbase display has samples of all finishes including natural oak, gloss black, framed walnut, lissa oak and more. 

BUILDBASE SUPPORTS GOLD MEDAL-WINNING GARDEN AT CHELSEA

Designer Mark Gregory is celebrating a Gold Medal win for the second year running at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2009 with a garden for The Children’s Society, supported by Buildbase.

Mark’s vision of a chic, innovative and eco-friendly back garden to complement the Front Garden he built in 2008 impressed the judges with its host of ideas for how the modern family can live well while beating the credit crunch. Buildbase has supplied the majority of building materials used to construct the medal-winning garden.

The garden meets the challenge of the times with a recession-busting focus on recycling, water harvesting, space saving and growing vegetables without turning the precious plot into an untidy allotment.

Mark said: “It’s has been an emotional rollercoaster. I am delighted to win Gold for the second year in a row for The Children’s Society. I am immensely proud to come to Chelsea with a practical urban garden for the modern family and walk away with the highest accolade in the gardening world.”

Nigel Bullock of Buildbase, commented: “We give our warm congratulations to Mark and his team who certainly deserve this top award. Buildbase has a long and happy association with Mark and his business, Landform Consultants, supplying materials for many successful projects. The Children’s Society garden is a blueprint for how today’s families can enjoy their outdoor space and we are delighted to have been involved in its creation.”

This year’s event runs from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May 2009.

BUILDBASE SUPPORTS THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY GARDEN AT CHELSEA

Buildbase has joined forces with The Children’s Society to help create a stylish and practical garden for the urban family at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Designer Mark Gregory’s vision gets back-to-basics, providing fresh food for the table while allowing adults to spend quality time with their children. Buildbase has worked closely with the designer to supply the building materials used construct the garden.

The Children’s Society’s entry at Chelsea is a back garden to complement last year’s gold-medal winning Front Garden. It continues the story of a family who are very aware of where their food comes from and conscious about their environmental impact.

When putting together his garden, Mark Gregory took his lead from “A Good Childhood”, the landmark report of The Good Childhood Inquiry commissioned by The Children’s Society. The innovative design incorporates raised vegetable beds, a garden room for use as a playroom or home-office so that parents can work flexibly at home, is intended to embody some of the key things that children need to flourish. The report called for families to spend more time doing things together, for adults to pass on their learning and values to children, for children to contribute to the needs of others and for them to eat a healthy diet.

The garden is enclosed by pollution tolerant, multi-stemmed Ginkgo trees and vertical planting used as a living alternative to fencing. The vertical planting continues round the garden room, a quiet space for the family to play or work which houses a tool cupboard, a laundry dryer (lessening the family’s consumption of electricity) and discrete rain water storage. The garden’s stand-alone compost unit is built inside a smart herb-covered cupboard.

The raised vegetable beds and basalt water bodies stand alongside Buxus cubes, giving way to a gravel centre of the garden to help water run off and control snails and slugs. Cherry tomatoes, pak choi, salad leaves, beans and peas provide the family with fresh vegetables. Herbs and alpine strawberries nestle alongside ornamental planting, carefully blending the elements and making the most of the space available without sacrificing the garden’s contemporary style.

Buildbase has been involved in a number of memorable and award-winning gardens at Chelsea in the past. The builders merchant supplied building materials for two gardens designed by Julian Dowle, representing the Salvation Army in 2004 and the Chelsea Pensioners in 2005. The latter was awarded a Gold Medal, Best Show Garden and the RHS BBC People’s Choice award. In 2007 Buildbase sponsored Chris Beardshaw’s design entitled ‘Celebrating 100 years of Hidcote Manor Garden’ which won the RHS BBC People’s Choice.

This year’s event runs from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May 2009.

BUILDBASE COMMENDS AWARD-WINNING STRIKER

Striker James Constable pictured with Peter Butterfield
and OUFC chairman Kelvin Thomas.

The Oxford United FC Players’ Player award, sponsored by Buildbase, was won by star striker James Constable.  Buildbase director Peter Butterfield presented the award at the last match of the season and is pictured with OUFC chairman Kelvin Thomas.

James Constable was also named as Supporters’ Player of the Year and has just signed a three-year contract with Oxford United.  He was a major contributor to the performance of the club which finished just outside the play-off positions after a strong rally under manager Chris Wilder.

Peter Butterfield said: “We’re delighted that James won the award.  He’s such a central figure in the side who obviously inspires the other players and the fans.  It’s been a very exciting few months under Chris’s management and the U’s were ahead of all the Conference sides on recent form.

“We’re proud to be supporting Oxford United as main sponsor for the new season.  If we can carry forward the momentum it could be the best season yet.  Buildbase would like to add its support and belief to the club and its many loyal fans.”

CHARITY WINS AFTER PARTNERSHIP MATCH OF THE DAY

Rob Lofthouse (front left), captain of the CDHT team, receives the cup, with Stewart Rutter, captain of Buildbase Nantwich.

Nearly £300 was raised for the Countess of Chester Hospital as Buildbase took on Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) in a friendly football match at Chester FC’s Wood Farm training ground.

Family and friends watched colleagues from Buildbase’s Nantwich branch and CDHT.  Staff donated money to play and have raised money by selling cakes, muffins, pastries and bacon butties, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

CDHT launched a new dedicated store in partnership with national builders’ merchant Buildbase in August last year. The store provides a dedicated trade counter service for the order and collection of materials for CDHT’s TrustWorks’ Maintenance Technicians, who are based at the trust’s Octavian Centre in Chester. 

Buildbase managed the store for CDHT. Brian Potts, Buildbase stores manager, came up with the idea of a charity football match and did much of the organisation.  He said:  “We played a full 90-minute game and, although CDHT won the match by 4 – 0, everyone agreed it was a really enjoyable event. Hopefully this will be the start of many charity football games to come, as CDHT hopes to start a mini-league in which local businesses can take part and play.”

Stella Williams, CDHT purchasing and performance manager, said: “All that training certainly paid off, as the crowd were treated to a decent game. Thanks very much to Chester FC for allowing us to use the training ground facilities, Chester Belles who provided a free after-match buffet and of course thanks to the players, who are members of staff who have given up their time to raise money for this great cause.”

MIKE IS TOP SCORING TIMBER CHAMPION

Timber champions visit SCA March 2009

Mike Small, who works at BMB Buildbase in Barnsley, has been named as the 2009 winner of annual SCA Cup for the highest performing Buildbase graduate completing the SCA Timber Supply IWSc Foundation course. He was presented with his trophy in Sweden where the latest group of 16 Buildbase and Selco IWSc graduates was visiting SCA’s forests, tree nursery and saw mills.

It is seven years since Buildbase and SCA began working together to train Timber Champions. Martin Lee, Buildbase commercial director, said: “It’s been a magnificent seven years of continuing skills improvement for our staff. The partnership with SCA has proved profitable for Buildbase, giving our employees the confidence to make use of the knowledge they’ve gained in their daily working lives.

“Buildbase was the first national merchant to stock FSC-certified timber in all branches and many of our businesses are known as timber specialists. The Timber Champions course reinforces our strength in timber and timber products.”

A photograph of the graduates was taken at Bogrundet, one of SCA’s three tree nurseries which between them grow around 85 million new trees per year. These operations plus the net growth in the company’s forests, which are slightly larger than Wales, combine to make SCA’s forest products more than double carbon-neutral. SCA is also celebrating 10 years of FSC certification in its forests this year.

HIREBASE REACHES 50

Hirebase Delivery Fleet

Hirebase has reached its 50th branch with the opening of the specialist hire department at Bristol Buildbase. A further five Hirebase locations are planned for 2009.

Another milestone has been achieved as Hirebase is listed in the ‘Top Ten’ hire companies in the UK, published by trade journal Executive Hire News.

“Coming into the EHN top ten list is a great achievement for everyone in Hirebase,” says Buildbase hire manager Adrian Watts. “The business is well-known and well-respected as a specialist division. Our staff are fully trained and we are more than capable of competing with the big names in the hire industry.”

Another exciting development has been the introduction of two area workshops and mobile fitters who will service and maintain all the plant and equipment for hire, known as the Hirefleet. Stewart Haddon is based at Belper branch, while Malcolm McGuire is based at Calne.

“Hirebase has an extensive Hirefleet and proper maintained is vital,” says Adrian. “Having our own mobile vans and regional workshops will result in huge savings as we no longer have to use external repairers. Stewart and Malcolm were recruited internally. They have all the parts and spares needed and are fully equipped to keep the Hirebase fleet up and running. This frees up the Hirebase staff to focus on sales.”

TONY ATTAINS DISTINCTION IN NEW GREEN TRAINING COURSE

Tony Booth
B uildbase Product Development Manager

A member of the Buildbase purchasing team is one of the first three students to pass a topical new MOL module on the subject of Sustainable Products. Tony Booth, Buildbase product development manager, was the only one to pass the course with a distinction.

Sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions are a national concern and the government has set targets for the construction industry in a bid to limit climate change. In response to this, MOL (Manchester Open Learning) has devised the new training module to educate builders merchants’ staff about all aspects of sustainable building materials and renewable energy associated with construction.

The course looks at building regulations such as the code for sustainable homes, SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) ratings and SUD (Sustainable Urban Development). To examine all relevant building products the module follows a methodical journey through construction process, starting with groundworks and working up to the roof. 

It describes ways in which recycled and sustainable products can be employed and also offers information on water saving and storage solutions such as rainwater harvesting. The module also covered alternative renewable energy sources such as solar and biomass.

“I began the course in October and entered my coursework in January,” says Tony.  “It’s extremely detailed but is very relevant for anyone who’s interested in the future direction of the construction industry.  I now have a better understanding of the products and innovations that can be specified and technology that will come onto the market in the future.”

More Buildbase staff will be enrolling in the course.  With green issues in mind the company is installing ‘green eco-rooms’ at a number of its branches to showcase carbon-reducing products for builders.  Buildbase has joined with Grafton Merchanting GB colleagues from Jacksons and Plumbase to form an Environmental Focus Group. It meets regularly to share ideas and consider new initiatives that will reduce environmental impact.  Topics discussed to date have included recycling, skip cost reductions, CO2 reductions and energy-saving.

Each Buildbase branch now has a BEM (Branch Environmental Manual) and a BEC (Branch Environmental Champion) who will work with the branch manager and the HS&E (Health Safety and Environment) department. A new brochure called "Go Green" details environmentally friendly products available from Buildbase.  It was launched at the Ecobuild trade show in March where Buildbase and its parent company Grafton Merchanting GB had a presence.

MARKET DRAYTON RELOCATES TO SMART NEW SITE

Hawkesford Buildbase, one of Market Drayton’s oldest businesses, has relocated to a two-acre site in Western Way.

“At our existing branch in Adderley Road we’ve been trading from two separate yards which, from an operations point of view, has been difficult,” says manager Paul Davey. “New additions include kitchen and bathroom showrooms and Hirebase. The branch has kept its timber mill.  A full-service mill is hard to find these days and we are well-known for this facility.”

Paul heads up the team of 13 including assistant manager Paul Rushton.  Branch personnel have a wealth of experience.  Paul Davey has worked in the building industry for 30 years and Paul Rushton has been with the business for 28 years.  Bryan Loynton, timber mill foreman, has 43 years’ service, driver Allan Plim 36 years and Jayne Moreland, who works in sales, has 22 years’ service.  Of the total workforce, only three have served less than 11 years.

The business was originally trading as a timber and builders merchants in the 1920s. The company joined Buildbase in 2001 and has enjoyed the benefits of being part of a larger group during recent years.  The branch also supports the local community and, for example, is sponsor of Market Drayton’s Tiny Tigers youth football team.

BUILDBASE OPENS IN BRISTOL

Bristol Buildbase opens for business in January 2009, creating nine jobs. This greenfield development occupies a one and a half acre site on the Gallagher Trade Park in Aldermoor Way, Longwell Green, Bristol.

The site is easy to reach, located to the south of the city, just off the ring road. A new, purpose-designed builders’ merchant has been built on the site.

Manager Barclay Matthews, heads up the team of ten including assistant manager Kaleem Arshad. Barclay has spent his entire career in the builders’ merchants industry. He said: “We’re very excited to be investing in the area and opening a new business. Buildbase has been looking to establish a branch in Bristol for a while and now we’ve found a superb site.”

The branch has a bathroom and kitchen showroom, plumbing and heating, timber, decorating and Hirebase managed by Adrian Ball.

A ‘green room’ is being built to showcase building products and systems that are environmentally friendly. This showroom will help local builders and homeowners employ the latest energy-saving technology to boost the city’s green credentials.

BUILDBASE BACKS BRITISH BOBSLEIGH

A young bobsleigh driver who is an up and coming force in the sport, has got backing from Buildbase.  Kenny Simm from Brae in Shetland, has been sponsored by Hay & Co Buildbase, the branch located in Lerwick, Shetland.

Kenny, 27, is a Royal Marine commando, currently on a sports draft.  He began racing with the British team in the winter of 2007/8.

He and his team mate Chris Woolley, competed in the British Bobsleigh Championships in Cesana, Italy in November and finished in fifth place, just behind some of the top Olympic, World and Europa Cup drivers.  Kenny is now the top development driver and is due to team up with fellow Royal Marine, Jamie Devlin, for the January Junior World Championships in Germany.

Drivers in the British Bobsleigh Association now have to fund their own teams and, as well training, they have been generating sponsorship to support their racing.  Kenny has found virtually all his funding from organisations in Shetland, like Hay & Co Buildbase.  Without this support he would not be able to train and compete.

Kenny is clearly a very talented sportsman, having competed in a number of sports at a high level.   Despite his young age he has already represented Scotland at cycling, windsurfing, shot and has also won Shetland’s strongest man competition.  

His overriding ambition is to become one of the top national bobsleigh drivers and compete in the 2014 Olympics.

EXMOUTH BRANCH OPENS

Buildbase’s 20th greenfield development has opened in Exmouth.  The branch, Exmouth Buildbase, is situated 12 miles from the Exeter branch and will operate as a satellite business under the direction of Exeter branch manager, Tim Parker.  The one-acre site at Exmouth on the Salterton Road was formerly a dairy but had been unoccupied for several years. Buildbase is pleased to have invested in the premises to refit it as a general builders merchant for both trade and retail customers.  The branch will serve Exmouth and the East Devon area.

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS AT NEWBURY SHOWROOM

FKS Buildbase at Newbury has launched a new bathroom and kitchen showroom.  A separate building has been converted to house the showrooms which feature 10 bathrooms, 7 shower enclosures and 9 kitchen displays. 

The very latest designs can be seen and many of the bathrooms reflect the minimalist trend which has become so popular.  

“Customer expectations have increased due to a raised awareness of products available on the market, mainly due to television makeover programmes and home design magazines. The introduction of products like, chromo therapy light systems for showers, rainwater shower heads and body jets are all becoming more popular,” says Steve Martin, manager at the Newbury branch.

“Kitchen styles are also quite understated with clean lines and paler shades.  Shaker-style oak and cream finishes are just as popular as ever, with flat easy to clean fascias very close behind.  For making the most of space customers are choosing pull-out larders and magic corner fittings and gadgets like plinth lights and drawer peg boards are more common. One of the most exciting new products is the combination microwave and steam oven which is now more affordable.”

There are four key staff who can liaise with customers to design their perfect kitchen or bathroom.  Buildbase offers a full site survey and planning service and 3-D a design package so that customers can visualise their finished room.   Heather Coleman or Maria Burgess specialise in bathrooms while Peter Riglar or Kay McDonagh look after kitchens.  Together the team has a total of 68 years’ experience.

Kitchen worktops have moved slowly towards solid surfaces, with more resin-based composites being chosen. A newer introduction is made-to-measure glass worktops.  Laminates up to 100mm are available with ABS or stainless steel edging to complements gloss door finishes.

Open days for both trade and retail customers were organised recently.  FKS Buildbase at Newbury is a long established local business that now has one of the area’s most impressive kitchen and bathroom showrooms.

BUILDBASE CHARITY SPORTING CALENDAR

A 2009 sporting calendar has been compiled by Buildbase that will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The ‘Winning Team Sporting Calendar’ features 12 large colour photographs of dramatic sporting action. These include sports where Buildbase has supported teams through sponsorship such as the Honda Formula 4 Powerboat Series, the Coventry Buildbase Bees, the Buildbase Ducati Superbike Championship, Oxford United and the Lotus Elite Trophy where David Harvey is sponsored by Buildbase Civils & Lintels.

Other images depict popular sports including RBS Six Nations Rugby, world cycling and test cricket. Major UK and international sporting events are also noted on the appropriate day throughout the year.

“This is the third sporting calendar that we’ve put together and they’ve been really well received,” says Buildbase managing director Stephen Thompstone. “Almost all our customers, staff and suppliers follow one or more sports and we’ve managed to find some tremendous action photos. We’re sure everyone will be quite happy to donate a few pounds to Macmillan for a top quality sports calendar.”

Copies of the calendar, in wall or desk format, are available from branches of Buildbase and Buildbase Civils & Lintels, while stocks last.

MICHAEL McCABE APPOINTED FINANCE DIRECTOR AT GRAFTON MERCHANTING GB

Michael McCabe
Finance Director
Grafton Merchanting GB

Michael McCabe has been appointed to the key role of finance director at Grafton Merchanting GB Ltd, the organisation created in April 2008 to incorporate the majority of Grafton Group’s GB merchanting brands.

Formerly finance director at Buildbase, Michael has been promoted to the new position, strengthening the Board and reporting to Kevin Middleton, managing director, Grafton Merchanting GB.

Michael is an honours business graduate from University College Dublin and a chartered accountant, having worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Ireland, UK and USA.  He joined Grafton Group in 1996 as financial controller of Buildbase, a fledgling merchant with three branches.

In 2001 he was appointed finance director of Buildbase which had by then grown to 43 branches.  This recent promotion sees Michael take financial and administrative responsibility for the Grafton GB network, now approaching 400 branches.

“Michael’s role as finance director is a key one and will be pivotal to maximise operational efficiency as we go forward,” says Leo Martin, Grafton Group chief operating officer.  “His contribution to the success of Buildbase cannot be underestimated and he will add much to this important position, working alongside Kevin and his team.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY LINKS

Aylesbury branch manager, Dave Fennell (right) and
Chris Thorn (centre) are pictured with members of the
local Asian community.

Aylesbury Buildbase has launched a ‘privilege customer cash card’ to appeal to new customers, especially local community groups.  The discount card is the brainchild of Chris Thorn who works at Aylesbury branch and recognised that certain sectors of the community were potential new customers.

“We have a large Asian community in Aylesbury but we were not getting much of their business,” says Chris.  “A lot of people think builders’ merchants are just for the trade and this card is a great way to gain new customer loyalty.”

The card gives a 30 per cent discount on non-promotional items.  It provides a good introduction to Buildbase, especially for community groups who are undertaking local improvement projects.

“Our local council, in common with many others, has funds that are available for improvements to buildings, sports and leisure facilities.  My aim is to make contact with local councillors, church leaders and other community groups. 

“We have attended the local mosque and have had a really positive response.  The card gives us a way to ‘reach out’ to new customers and get them on board.”

COVENTRY TRIO CELEBRATE THREE QUARTER CENTURIES

Three colleagues who work at Buildbase branches in Coventry are celebrating 25 years’ service. Unusually, they all joined on the same day in 1983 and have stayed with the business to clock up a quarter of a century each.

Branch manager Andy Bursell and sales development manager Dave Mounter both work at the Gulson Road depot of Bailey Buildbase. Colleague Mark Robinson is sales development manager at the sister site of Bailey Buildbase in Newport Road, which opened in September. All three live in Coventry.

They all began work for the builders merchant as part of the government’s YTS initiative in 1983, all aged 16. As part of their training they spent time working in the yard, showrooms, trade counter, sales and management. The business was previously called Niall Bailey after its then MD and was a local family firm established in 1969 to supply building materials to the Coventry building trade.

“Each day has a different challenge and there’s always something new to learn,” says Andy Bursell. “Our work involves quite a lot of technical detail with so many new products being introduced and new legislation to get to grips with. Whereas in 1983 there might have been one product to do a job, there could be 20 now, each with a slightly different application."

Andy Bursell, Dave Mounter (who both work at Gulson
Road) and Mark Robinson (Newport Road).
Their combined 75 years’ service is approaching the age
of the 1921 Buildbase Model T Ford also pictured here.

“We help builders make sure they comply with all the regulations of the building trade. There are rules for everything from glazing and insulation to electrical and health and safety issues. With back up from the manufacturers we can advise them about the right products for the right job.”

Dave Mounter says: “I particularly like the way the business has retained its friendly, local approach. Builders merchants are traditional by nature and many of our customers have stayed loyal for many years. Everyone works hard and we all muck in when there’s a rush on. The company will find the role that’s right for you. I was manager at Kenilworth for six years but I like working in sales and now that’s what I do.  After all these years it still feels like a local independent business.”

Mark Robinson recalls: “When I joined everything was handwritten as there were no computers.  I love the variety of the job. You never know what the next phonecall will bring. Our customers rely on us to sort out all their queries and find the products they need ‘pdq’.  My job also involves travelling around to meet customers on site and seeing their projects progress. It’s quite sociable and never boring.”

BUILDBASE ARE MASTERMERCHANTS

Teams from Buildbase occupied two of the top four winning places in this year’s Mastermerchant competition.  Congratulations go to the team from Orkney who were second overall and the Mansfield’s Buildbase Hermits who came fourth.

This annual industry contest has been running for over 20 years and involves a mix of physical and mental challenges.  Four Buildbase teams entered – Buildbase Badiblues from Miller Road, Preston and Buildbase Brigadiers from Northwich branch – as well as the two that reached the final. 

Orkney team go underground.  Back left is Brian Davis, branch manager, right storeman Steve Field (no longer
at Buildbase), front left is Pete Gibbons, KBB supervisor
and assistant manager Ian Scott.

The final was held at Ingleton and included a diverse range of activities from potholing and abseiling to orienteering and putting up a tent blindfold. 

Brian Davis, manager at Fleming Buildbase in Orkney whose team were runners up, said, “It was a really worthwhile and enjoyable experience.  We were the winning merchant team which is a real achievement.”
BMF organiser, Christine Harding, said, “As one of the marshals I have to say it was an excellent weekend. The sheer determination to succeed, the teamwork and the friendship between the teams was inspirational.

“I would like to thank Buildbase for their continued support for our Mastermerchant Competition and I hope that we will see the return of your teams next year to challenge the title winners for the cup.”

Top: The Orkney members working as a team.

Bottom: Paul Toon, Adrian Arnold, Leon Smith,
Pete Kenworthy.

Scaling the wall is Adrian Arnold of Buildbase Hermits

BUILDBASE TEAM OF TEN VICTORIOUS IN BERLIN

The ten runners in the Buildbase team completed their marathon task to finish the 26 mile-course in Berlin on Sunday 28 September.

Among the 40,000 taking part, Buildbase was allocated a limited number of spaces for the Berlin Marathon to run in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.  The three main sponsors were Hanson Building Products, Keystone Lintels and Buildbase, without whom, the impressive fundraising, totalling of over £25,000, would not have been possible.

The team comprised Southern Division director David Grimsdale, Tim Felton (South Central regional director), Mark Anderson (Barking branch manager), Giles Newman (Southern Division partnering manager), Vicki Middleton (partnering project manager), Sarah Kell (contract support), David Litchfield (Hirebase manager at Belper), Brian Davis (Orkney branch manager), Duncan Baber (auditor, Southern Division) and Odhran McGoldrick (general manager, Keystone Lintels, Republic of Ireland).    

Some of the Buildbase team (from left) Giles Newman,
Mark Anderson, David Grimsdale, David Lichfield,
Duncan Baber and Tim Felton.

The route included many of the landmarks that have played a part in the history of the city including the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag, home to the Berlin government.

David Lichfield recorded the fastest time within the team, finishing in 3h39m.  Many of the other runners finished in a personal best time, despite hot sunny conditions which were not ideal for a marathon.

“Everyone deserves a great deal of praise for putting in the many hours of training and completing the course on the day,” says David Grimsdale who organised the Buildbase team.  “It’s my third and last marathon and I will remember this one for the great team spirit. Despite the fact that we all live in different parts of the UK we all came together for this wonderful event.”

NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUILDBASE AND WEAVER VALE HOUSING TRUST

WEAVER Vale Housing Trust is embarking on a new partnership with Buildbase to provide a more effective repairs service for its customers in Vale Royal.

The partnership has seen the opening of a new dedicated stores facility at Northwich Buildbase in Wincham, which manages the supply of all materials to the Trust’s property services teams.

By obtaining all materials directly from Buildbase the Trust’s 115 repairs and maintenance trade staff will save time and money sourcing materials, enabling them to provide a more effective service to residents across Vale Royal.

The new facility also employs three dedicated Buildbase stores personnel whose role is solely to assist Trust staff.

Graham Roberts, director of Property Services at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted to open its new on-site stores at Buildbase. The new facility will enable us to provide our customers with a fast, high quality, and more cost efficient repairs and maintenance service.

“The new service will also benefit the commercial, public sector, and private individual customers of our subsidiary building company, Weaver Horizons."

Stuart Burton, manager at Northwich Buildbase, said: “We are very proud to have formed this new partnership with Weaver Vale.  We are a long-established local builders’ merchant and have been supplying building materials for many years. 

“Our staff are very experienced and have superb product knowledge.  Peter Smith, who will manage the new store, has well over 20 years in the industry and will be able to serve the housing trust well.

“Buildbase has won awards for its customer service and our branches are well-respected in the local community. This exciting project with Weaver Vale shows how we always put the customer first and work with them to give an exceptional service.”

Peter Smith, manager of the dedicated Trust stores at Buildbase, said: “We are proud to be working with the Trust as we understand their commitment to providing customers with the best possible service and value for money.

SUPERBIKE PRIZE FROM SUPER BUILDERS MERCHANT

Andrew Wass of Wass Construction in Burbage, Hinckley, is the lucky winner of a Ducati Superbike worth £9,500.  He was presented with his prize as the culmination of opening celebrations at the new Newport Road site in Coventry.

Bailey Buildbase has relocated to an impressive new site in Newport Road, off Holbrook Way, and has staged a fortnight of special promotions to mark the opening.  Formerly at Lythalls Lane, Coventry, the long-established builders’ merchant has been searching for a new location in the city to complement its sister branch in Gulson Road. 

Andrew Wass (right), a director of Wass Construction in Burbage, Hinckley, climbs aboard the £9,500 Ducati Superbike that he won from Buildbase. He is
congratulated by Stephen Thompstone, Buildbase managing director, and John Laverty, British Superbike
Daily Star Cup Champion.

Buildbase has made a substantial investment to completely redevelop the Newport Road site which now includes a large self-select area, a kitchen and bathroom showroom on a mezzanine floor, Hirebase equipment hire, timber and service mill, a hard landscaping display and ample parking.

Branch manager Jim Aldridge says: “With the extra space we have dramatically expanded our stocks.  We now hold thousands of building products – indeed, everything needed by the local building trade or DIY enthusiast.”

Since May 2008 Buildbase has run a competition for its customers to win a powerful Ducati 848 Superbike.  Anyone spending over £50 on BSW Timber products in 80 of Buildbase’s branches could enter.  The winner collected the 849cc, 132bhp bike which has a top speed of 165mph. 

Buildbase is proud sponsor of two Ducati Superbike riders and is also main sponsor of the Buildbase Coventry Bees speedway team.  Bees’ rider ‘Bomber Harris’ visited the branch a few days’ ago to wish the business well.

The annual SCA Cup for the highest performing Buildbase graduate completing the SCA Timber Supply IWSc Foundation course was awarded to Steve Reynolds. He then went on to win the TTJ trainee award.

STEVE IS NATIONAL TIMBER AWARD WINNER

Steve Reynolds has won the Career Development award in this year’s TTJ (Timber Trades Journal) Awards held at the Park Lane Hotel in London.  Steve is a senior sales supervisor at Edwards Buildbase in Redditch.  He is deserving of this national award, having received the 2008 SCA Cup as part of the Institute of Wood Science Timber Training earlier this year. 

Redditch branch manager Matt Henderson said: “Steve is the undisputed ‘timber champion’ within the branch.  Redditch is one of the larger branches within Buildbase with over 20 staff. We have a full service mill and joinery workshop and, although his principal role is sales, Steve is competent with all the mill equipment. Timber is an important sector for the branch and Steve’s knowledge greatly helps our customers understand the timber and panel products industry.”

CDHT chief executive, John Denny and Roy Mason,
national partnering director of Buildbase cutting the
ribbon to open the new Buildbase at TrustWorks.
Over 50 colleagues attended the launch and celebration breakfast including Stella Lee, purchasing &
performance manager at TrustWorks who has been responsible for the project and Phil Jones, executive manager property services for CDHT.

Buildbase is one of the UK’s fastest growing builders merchants and the agreement means Buildbase will manage a dedicated onsite stores for CDHT. Previously, TrustWorks’ repairs and maintenance personnel were using various local suppliers for the materials they needed.

The new facilities involve dedicated stores personnel, a bespoke trade counter, specialised storage racking and state-of-the-art retail and card technology. Hundreds of product lines from aggregates to wire balloons and zinc screws will be kept in stock in the secure premises for the exclusive use of TrustWorks’ 90 strong Maintenance Technicians. The operation of the Buildbase managed stores at TrustWorks will save valuable time and money for CDHT.

Phil Jones, executive manager property services for CDHT said; “Following a benchmarking exercise, CDHT was keen to offer ‘best value for money’ to get higher quality of materials and faster repair times. Our maintenance technicians can get everything from this store they need to get their work done more efficiently. Residents will get further value and faster and more effective repairs.”

CDHT chief executive, John Denny said; “Buildbase’s considerable purchasing power and superb product knowledge will ensure quality materials and cost savings in addition to more reliable and faster services for us and our customers.”

Roy Mason, national partnering director, Buildbase, added; “We are delighted to be working with CDHT. The new store will have all the necessary materials in stock and be managed by experienced Buildbase staff who can give help and advice and speed up collections. We have back-up at our nearby Warrington or Nantwich branches for transport or more stock and when projects are further afield. We will work closely with CDHT to develop the partnership and ensure its success.”

Cheltenham Buildbase is lending its support to the newest project being launched by Age Concern Gloucestershire.

The ‘Men in Sheds’ project aims to engage with older men in Gloucestershire by offering them the opportunity to volunteer their time and skills to refurbish second-hand tools. These tools will then be sent to Africa through a partner charity, Tools for Self Reliance. They will be used by rural artisans and craft workers in some of the poorest areas, giving them the means to earn a living and maintain their homes.

Age Concern Gloucestershire is asking the public to donate unwanted tools to the project and builders merchant Buildbase will provide Cheltenham’s primary collection point. A rusty old chisel sat in your own garden shed may not seem particularly valuable, but to the ‘Men in Sheds’ project it could be really useful!
Tools needed include carpenters tools, for example planes, chisels, hammers, drill bits and saws; builders and plumbers tools, for example screwdrivers, spanners, wrenches, mallets, paint brushes and allen keys.

The Shed itself also needs donated bench vices, bench grinders and electric hand drills.
Gardening tools are not need.  Although these are useful in the UK, African farmers work in very different conditions so our tools are not appropriate to them.

If you have tools you think may be suitable then you can take them along to Buildbase’s branch in Chosen View Road. Staff will be on hand to help to check and sort the tools before they are passed to the Shed volunteers for refurbishment.

 John Matthews, manager at Cheltenham Buildbase, said:  “This is a wonderful scheme and, as a local builders merchant, we are very keen to help.  It’s our way of putting something back into the local community.

“I’m sure many of our customers who are local builders, tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts will have tools that they don’t use any more and would be willing to donate.  We’d like to encourage them to have a rummage in their toolbags and bring any old tools along to us.  They’ll be helping Age Concern and, ultimately, families in Africa, who can make use of these forgotten tools.”

Two ‘Sheds’ are opening in the county this year. The first, in Mitcheldean, is already up and running. Another will open in Cheltenham in a few weeks’ time.  Receiving support from a company like Buildbase will make a real impact to the project in its first year.

Christina Snell, Chief Executive of Age Concern Gloucestershire said: “We are very grateful for the support Buildbase is showing for Men in Sheds. The staff at the Cheltenham branch have been really enthusiastic and are helping us to get this unique project up and running. Working together, we can make a real difference to the lives of older people in our county, as well as the lives of craftsmen and women in Africa.”

A special Tool Amnesty Event will be held at the Cheltenham branch in September.