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.

Radstock near Bath is the location for the latest new Buildbase branch.  This ‘greenfield’ development has a special place in the company’s growth, being the 150th branch in the Buildbase network.

Radstock Buildbase was officially opened on 30th June by two students from Fosse Way School, a special school close to the branch. To mark the occasion the branch will be donating building materials to the school for students to learn basic building skills.

The 150th milestone has also prompted Buildbase to pledge to raise £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.  Each branch will be encouraged to contribute with some creative fundraising activities.

Radstock Buildbase is a new-build depot on a one-and-a-half-acre site at Unit 1, Westfield Industrial Estate at Midsomer Norton, near Radstock.

Nine new jobs have been created with the opening, eight of whom are local people.  Manager Neil Champion has worked within the industry for 25 years and assistant manager Alan Walsh joined the industry from school and has 32 years’ experience.

The branch has the full selection of timber and building products.  There is a bathroom and kitchen showroom, a plumbing and heating counter, a large self-select stores area and Hirebase, a dedicated equipment hire service, will open shortly. 

The branch held an open afternoon where local builders, self-builders and DIY enthusiasts were invited to visit the branch, meet staff and look around the site.

Buildbase has launched an eco-room that brings together all the newest ideas to build a greener lifestyle.   Oxford branch has opened the showroom under the banner ‘Go Green at Buildbase’.  Children from nearby Garsington Primary School,   which has a bronze award in the Green Flag Eco-Schools scheme, performed the official opening.  Customers and guests were invited for a special preview.

The first-floor display is devoted to energy-saving and eco-friendly products and systems that can be specified for new homes or installed in existing properties.  It has information and sample products explaining the new technology so that customers can choose which concepts might suit their home.  It is designed for builders, architects, specifiers, self-builders, local authorities, schools, businesses and any homeowners looking to save energy and resources.
     

As well as a working solar panel display, there are less familiar products such as a Greenstore ground source heat pump system that harnesses ground heat in different ways.  Other new heating systems include a boiler which uses wood pellets in place of gas or oil or an air source heat pump that harvests thermal energy from the air.

A rainwater collection system stores water in a huge underground tank for use in the washing machine, toilet or garden.  Photovoltaic roof tiles produce electricity from solar energy.  Roof light tunnels are a simple way to increase internal light in place of lightbulbs.

One display shows how different energy saving insulation materials can be installed in walls, loft, roof and floors.  Even the timber flooring in the eco-room is made from bamboo, a quick growing, renewable natural material.

Richard Coles and Michaela Walter have researched and designed the new green eco-room at Johnsons Buildbase.  Speaking about the idea, Richard said: “There is no denying that more and more homeowners would like to live in a property that is as energy-efficient as possible.  Those in the trade - architects and builders - want to introduce this technology into their plans.  However the range of different products is vast and technically quite complex.  Our eco-room brings together many of the best designs all in one place. 

“We’ve worked with manufacturers to produce wall panels, diagrams and working products that explain the technology and what’s involved.  Michaela and I will be pleased to talk with customers about installation, suitability and all the other practical issues that arise.”
The eco-room is the first to be installed at a Buildbase branch.  The company has an environmental focus group which looks to introduce eco-friendly measures. Each Buildbase branch now has a BEM (Branch Environmental Manual) and a BEC (Branch Environmental Champion). A new brochure listing the most environmentally friendly products is also in production.  Other activities include paper recycling, energy-saving lightbulbs, solar panels and bio-degradable rubble sacks.

Buildbase was the first national builders merchant to introduce FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) timber in all its branches. FSC certification ensures that Buildbase PSE (planed square edge) timber and mouldings are supplied from well-managed forests that guarantee sustainable timber production. 

As Buildbase prepared to open its 150th branch, the company was honoured with another award.  At the Oxfordshire Business Awards attended by 500 members of the local business community, Buildbase was named Large Business of the Year. 

Buildbase was shortlisted together with two other strong contenders. An independent panel of judges named Buildbase the winner for its impressive performance during 2007. The award is all the more significant as the county is home to many large and successful organisations, most of whom have been established far longer than Buildbase.

When speaking to press afterwards Kevin Middleton stressed how proud he was to accept the award on behalf of every member of staff.  “The success of Buildbase is as a reflection of individual contributions throughout the organisation,” he said.

“Our first branch was in Oxford when we began trading 12 years ago and we have our head offices here.  Now we are truly a national builders merchant with a network of branches across the UK.”

Buildbase has scooped a prestigious safety award from the world’s leading training and advisory bodies.

Following tests by a strict independent adjudicating panel, Buildbase was given the International Safety Award by the British Safety Council.  Buildbase will be the only builders merchant to receive the BSC award at this year’s presentation ceremony.

Winners must have good safety policies, plans and commitment to health and safety at the highest level.  They must also be endeavouring to improve the safety culture within their organisation. They must detail their health and safety officers’ qualifications and provide information about significant advances they have made in health and safety for the year.

Health and safety manager Steve Follows said:  “To enter this award it’s necessary to fill in a 30-page document which looks at all our procedures in great depth.  We are really proud to get the award.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “I am delighted to send my congratulations to all those organisation being presented with an award by the British Safety Council.  These awards recognise the crucial success that these companies and their employees have achieved in their pursuit of excellence.

“We will strive to accomplish our goals in reducing the burden on employers and employees and cutting the 36 million working days currently lost each year through work-related ill-health and injury.”

Staff at Oxford branch and at head office have beaten their target to raise £55,000 for the Oxford Children’s Hospital (CHOX).  A cheque for £63,415.92 was presented to CHOX by David Robertson, a regional director at Buildbase, who has driven the fundraising campaign. The donation will support the hospital’s adolescent waiting area.

The presentation was made on Tuesday 22 April at half-time during Oxford United’s final home game of the season against Rushden & Diamonds which the team went on to win. Buildbase are main sponsors of the U’s and have recently signed a new two-year deal.

“When I visited the hospital site with some of my colleagues we couldn’t help but be moved by the project,” says David.  “Knowing that the hospital will help children from a wide catchment area means that it will benefit many families around the country.  A lot of staff have young families and will understand why a children’s hospital deserves our help.”
     

Activities have included golf days, a 24-hour billiards contest, a sky-dive, fun runs, sponsored walks, raffles and car boot sales.  David and four colleagues at Oxford branch walked 55km in a single day last year.  They set off from Johnsons Buildbase at 8am and all courageously made it to the final destination – The Lamb in Chalgrove – completing the route in 10 hours 45 minutes.  This is the second time that Dave has walked this incredible distance, despite having had a hip replacement.

“At some stages I wondered if we would actually reach our goal because £55,000 is a great deal of money to raise from two sites.  There are a few heroes who deserve extra thanks.  They took responsibility and organised events that we could all take part in.  But of course I am very grateful to everyone who got involved and did their bit.  We can all be very proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Construction begins in readiness for May show

Buildbase has teamed up with garden designer Chris Beardshaw to create a unique feature which will be seen for the first time at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show.

The Design for Living Theatre is a completely new concept that promises to be a major talking point at the show which runs from 8-11 May 2008.  Chris Beardshaw has designed a theatre-like arena where visitors can listen to talks and interviews and see demonstrations from leading experts and celebrities from the world of gardening. 

Buildbase has worked with Chris to supply materials needed to build the feature.  The Buildbase Stage by Chris Beardshaw will provide a focus for the show where visitors can interact with the presenters and experts who are the public face of gardening.  Buildbase has delivered its supplies and construction has begun at the 30-acre site in the heart of the Malvern Hills.
    

Last year Buildbase supplied materials to help build Chris Beardshaw’s award-winning gardens at three of the most popular RHS events at Malvern, Chelsea and Hampton Court.

“We are very proud to be joining forces with Chris again to support this exciting project,” says Nigel Bullock, landscaping manager at Buildbase.  “As a builders merchant we carry a superb range of paving, walling and building materials to update your garden.  We have been able to supply the products that Chris needs for the stage area which is bound to make an impact at the show.”

Show visitors will be able to enter a Buildbase competition to win the paving material to build a beautiful patio worth over £800 in the same stone as Chris’s garden feature.

Malvern is also staging the Chris Beardshaw Mentoring Scholarship which is open to experienced and up and coming designers.  The winner will be announced at the show and will receive a year’s mentoring with Chris, attend an RHS course and go on to create gardens at Malvern Autumn Show 08 and the Chelsea Flower Show in 2009.   The scholarship competition has resulted in the greatest number of show gardens ever entered at Malvern.

Buildbase has just announced a new two-year sponsorship deal with Oxford United FC. Having supported the clubs as its main sponsor for the last seven seasons, Buildbase will be proud to have its name displayed on the club’s shirts for the next two years.

Oxford United chairman Nick Merry said: “Buildbase have been superb sponsors for the last seven years and their unstinting loyalty and support has never wavered. We enjoy an excellent working relationship and are very proud to continue to wear the Buildbase name on our shirts.

“The partnership goes much deeper than just the kit sponsorship. Buildbase offer a discount to season ticket holders, were one of the major players in the gift of the superb bronze ox at the stadium and have always offered their help and support over the years. Their name has become synonymous with Oxford United and we are proud to have formally signed the new deal just ahead of Saturday’s home game against Farsley Celtic.
     

“The fact that such a progressive company as Buildbase wishes to back us once again shows the faith and support that the local business community have in Oxford United.”

Buildbase director Peter Butterfield, was equally pleased with the extension to one of Oxford’s strongest partnerships. He said “The new sponsorship marks a total of nine years since Buildbase first struck up a partnership with the club. This probably makes us one of the team’s longest, if not the longest shirt sponsor. Like the many thousands of faithful fans we are pleased to have stayed loyal to Oxford United and are optimistic for the future of the club.

“Oxford United has given a lot of enjoyment to thousands of fans over the years and plays a key role in the local community.  Buildbase has strong connections with Oxford and we are pleased to be associated with a long-established local club. 
Many of our staff and customers follow the U’s and we are behind them all the way,” says Peter.

Local boxing hero Amir Khan reopened EBM Buildbase in Bolton following an extensive refurbishment. A £750,000 investment has been made at the 3.3-acre site.  The four-storey former cotton mill has been transformed with many new facilities including Hirebase, a new self-select area, brick library, timber and other warehouses, extended bathroom and kitchen showrooms and new offices and trade counter. 

Outside improvements include a new traffic management system, customer walkways, new yard racking to increase storage and a hard landscaping display. Branch investment also includes new HGV crane vehicles and fork-lifts.

Local boxing hero Amir Khan visited the branch, met customers and officially reopened the branch.   EBM Buildbase has supported Amir’s new boxing academy for youngsters by supplying many of the building materials for its construction.

The business was established in 1972 and joined Buildbase in 2005.

“The branch has always has always put customer service first which is why we have many long-standing, loyal customers,” says manager Peter Dobson, who has 31 years’ service with the business.

Harlow Buildbase in Cambridge Road, Old Harlow, is the company’s largest ‘greenfield’ development to date.  Opening its doors for business in February the branch occupies a three-acre site on the outskirts of this busy town.

The existing warehouses have been demolished and a superb new purpose-designed builders merchant now occupies the site. 

The large trade stores area includes ironmongery, plumbing and heating, decorating, workwear and tools and everything else you would expect from a full service builders merchant. In the warehouse and yard area there are huge stocks of timber, bricks, aggregates and rainwater goods.

On the mezzanine first floor a kitchen and bathroom showroom has over twenty five fully-tiled displays. There is also a dedicated Hirebase counter and outside a large hardlandscaping area displays many paving and walling products.

Manager Tony Archer has 27 years’ industry experience.  Other key managers include assistant manager Mark Yardley, Hirebase manager David Martin and John Grosh who manages the kitchen and bathroom showrooms.  Seventeen new jobs have been created with the opening of the new branch.

Manager Tony Archer, said: "Buildbase is delighted to be opening a new branch in Harlow and we are looking forward to welcoming customers to this impressive site. We offer a superior service all-round for our customers to show why Buildbase has been named best national builder's merchant. We're a traditional, friendly builders' merchant and we aim to offer a personal service at a local level, responding to the needs of our customers, whether they're in the trade or enthusiastic home improvers. We have wanted to bring Buildbase to Harlow for a while and have found the perfect site. We chose Harlow because it is a growing town with a strong local economy and lots of building and refurbishment work."

Chris West, branch manager at Andover Buildbase, has been named ‘Best Manager’ in the BM Awards for Excellence 2007. He received the trophy from John Humphrys, BBC journalist and writer, at the awards ceremony in London.

Andover branch is a greenfield site opened two years ago. Chris was appointed as manager from the start of the project and has built up a successful and expanding business. He was named as best branch manager in the latest Buildbase annual awards, beating over 130 other managers across the country.

Speaking at the event Chris said: “I must pay tribute to the great team at Andover who have worked so hard to establish this branch. I am very proud to be here accepting the award and I know they will be pleased to get this recognition.”

Jack Gwillim, a Buildbase management trainee based at Wakefield Buildbase won the TTJ Timber Trainee of the Year Award last Friday at the TTJ Annual Awards.

Jack was presented with his award by Stephen King, Sales Director of SCA Timber Supply and Alistair Campbell.

SCA sponsored two awards at the TTJ  annual ceremony this year, one for trainees under 25s, which Jack won, and one for continuing professional development for the ‘over 25s’.   

Well done to Jack!

The Coventry Buildbase Bees are truly the champions of the 2007 speedway scene after taking three of the top titles.  They have now added the Craven Shield and the Knockout Cup after being named champions of the 2007 Sky Sports Elite League last month.

 “The strength of the team is awesome and we are very proud to be associated with their successes,” says Stephen Thompstone of main sponsors Buildbase.  “Many of our customers and staff are avid speedway fans and support the Buildbase Bees at most meetings.  This has been a fantastic season and we want to give our warm congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the team and this trio of wins.”
For more details visit the Buildbase Bees website at: www.coventrymotorspeedway.com

The Buildbase Ducati Team was recognised for its efforts this year and awarded the Best Team Award at the first-ever David Jefferies Memorial Awards Dinner held at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford on Friday night.

The black-tie event designed to recognise the major achievements in motorcycle racing for 2007 and sponsored by Bennetts Motorcycle Insurance was also an opportunity to raise funds for numerous charities and remember the life and achievements of nine times TT winner David Jefferies whose life was tragically taken in an accident at the Isle of Man in 2003.

The night was hosted by celebrity guest Vernon Kay and Sky Televisions very own Keith Huewen and well attended by the motorcycle racing fraternity including the newly crowned 2007 World Superbike Champion, James Toseland.

The panel of judges who had the unenviable task of deciding the winners of the various awards was chaired by Tony Jefferies and consisted of Roger Burnett, Niall Mackenzie, Colin Appleyard and Karen Milsom of Bennetts Insurance.

Buildbase Ducati was awarded the “Best Team Award for 2007” which is clearly great news for its riders and crew and for all of its sponsors and partners who have been recognised for their support, commitment and hard work throughout the year.

John Hackett and Ken Foley were delighted to receive the award on behalf of the extended Team and would like to thank the judges, event organisers and in particular Tony Jefferies for putting on such a fantastic event.

Coventry Buildbase Bees are the 2007 Sky Sports Elite League Champions. A packed Brandon Stadium saw the Bees dominate the Swindon Robins with a victorious 59-34 point win on the night, and an aggregate score of 102-83, to take speedway’s top title. At the start of the night the Bees trailed Swindon by six points after the first leg but they produced a title-winning performance to lift the trophy, for the second time in three years. “We are very proud of the team who produced one of their best performances when it counted most,” says Stephen Thompstone of main sponsors Buildbase. “Many of our customers and staff are avid speedway fans and support the Bees at most meetings. This has been a fantastic result and we want to give our warm congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the team’s success.”

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Over £6000 was raised for Oxfordshire’s Children’s Hospital at a special evening organized by  Buildbase and the Aziz restaurant in Cowley Road.  Ninety guests were entertained by an Asian Elvis and a troupe of Indian dancers, as well as enjoying a five-course Bangladeshi buffet.

An auction, compered by Peter Rhoades Brown, Oxford United’s community officer, featured some impressive lots including tickets to watch Premiership and Champions League football matches and a Williams Formula One race suit worn by Alex Wurz.

Aziz Rahman, who owns a number of restaurants in Oxfordshire, kindly gave over the restaurant as the party venue and provided the food and staffing free of charge so that all proceeds could go to the charity.  Buildbase invited customers to attend the special evening and part with some cash for a very good cause.

Buildbase is main sponsor of Oxford United and notable guests at the event included chairman Nick Merry and manager Jim Smith.

“It was an incredible night, but Elvis stole the show,” says David Robertson, Buildbase regional director, who helped to organize the evening.  “By the end we were all dancing and singing along with Elvis.  Jim Smith has great hip action!”

“With the raffle, auction and tickets sales, we managed to raise a fantastic total of £6,285 for the children’s hospital.  I must say thanks to everyone who contributed and especially to Aziz because it was originally his idea and we couldn’t have done it without him.”

The evening is one of a whole series of fundraising activities being undertaken by staff at Johnsons Buildbase and the company’s head offices at Oxford Business Park to raise £55,000 for the children’s hospital campaign.  From car boot sales, sponsored bar billiards and raffles, they are taking on more ambitious projects like a 55-km walk around Oxfordshire, half marathons, golf days, trade shows and a sky dive with the chief executive taking part.
07/08/07

Buildbase staff at the Rotherham branch have worked miracles to repair the damage caused by three-foot floods at the end of June.   Their sterling efforts to clear up the mess and get the branch trading in just two and a half days has been recognised by national media.

The river Don was burst its banks and, on the other side of the branch, the Sheffield Rotherham canal just kept rising.  Manager Ian Wild, together with Paul Tomlinson and  Mark Deakin, valiantly stayed in the branch and kept throwing sand bags onto the makeshift wall that they hoped would keep the water at bay.

As dawn broke the water began to recede but the damage had been done by a metre of water throughout the premises.  Staff were clearly shocked to hear what had happened but very quickly got to work to get things back to normal so trading loss would be kept to a minimum.

Five brave – or slightly mad – staff at Johnsons Buildbase completed a 55km walk on Saturday 26 May, as part of their bid to raise £55,000 for the Oxford Children's Hospital.

Dave Robertson, Craig Tarrant, Anna Karavias, Kate Godrey and Shaun Johnson set off at 8am from Johnsons Buildbase in Watlington Road, Cowley. The route took in Cuddesdon, Milton Common, Tiddington, Thame, Kingston Blount, Aston Rowant, Tetsworth, Little Milton, Stadhampton and finishing at The Lamb at Chalgrove.

Dave, who has organised the event, had a full hip replacement in 2004. He is only 42 but played football in his youth, including a spell for his county and captaining a winning England schools team in a European competition. Following the operation he has had to give up all forms of contact sport.

Everyone completed the full 55km distance and were back in the pub enjoying a well-earned drink after 10hrs 45mins - a superb time!

Anyone who wants to sponsor the cause can go to www.justgiving.com/buildbasewalk
 
The walk is one of a whole series of fundraising activities being undertaken by staff at Johnsons Buildbase and the company’s head offices at Oxford Business Park. From car boot sales, sponsored bar billiards and raffles, they are taking on more ambitious projects like half marathons, golf days, trade shows and a sky dive with the chief executive taking part.
29/05/07