Two Birmingham tradesmen have been able to spread the word about their business to an audience of tens of thousands after winning a competition to win free advertisements.
Stephen Maher’s business SCJ Building & Carpentry and Hammond & Sons, run by Daniel Hammond, have won the competition promoted by leading builders’ merchants Selco Builders Warehouse.
Selco ran the competition with Free Radio on which the two businesses received free advertising for two weeks to an audience of over 230,000 listeners.
Stephen Maher, who is 42, based in Kings Heath and specialises in carpentry, said: “The competition was a fantastic idea by Selco and Free Radio and really helps to spread the word.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of people who have heard the advert and hopefully it will lead to some new business moving forwards.”
Mistie Hammond, of Hammond & Sons based in Stechford and specialising in garage door repairs, added: “I couldn’t believe it when we were told we had won.
“We have only recently decided to give it a go as a business alone and it is hard initially. Hopefully this is the boost we need and we are very grateful as this type of advertising just wouldn’t have been affordable to us without the competition.”
Helen Gemmell, marketing director at Selco, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist both SCJ Building and Hammond & Sons with the advertising on Free Radio.
“Selco is keen to support tradespeople wherever possible and we are delighted this campaign has reached such a big audience for our successful businesses.”
Selco’s 36 branches in England and Wales include five in and around Birmingham, at Tyburn, Stirchley, Perry Barr, Tyseley and Dudley, while the central support centre is based in Wythall.
Each branch supplies a massive range of building materials including doors, windows, insulation, roofing, heating, plumbing supplies, lighting, electrical products, kitchens, bathrooms and timber.
Branches also offer an in-branch café, trade counter services, direct-to-site delivery options and van size parking spaces, all designed to make it easier for tradespeople to get onto the job as soon as possible.
Tool and plant hire is also available across 23 branches in London and Nottingham.