Selco Builders Warehouse is playing its part in the economic recovery, creating 200 new jobs this year as part of a branch network expansion and the introduction of new services.
Business is thriving at the building materials and equipment supplier with another new store opening in Isleworth at the start of September, creating 50 jobs.
The Isleworth opening will take the number of branches in the London area to 19, and the total figure in England and Wales to 35. Further jobs will be created with Selco’s latest new branch announcement at Redhill.
A further 50 jobs have been created by the launch of the new Selco Hire service – which is soon to be introduced to every London branch – and another 100 jobs will be created in 2015 with the planned opening of more branches.
Chris Cunliffe, Selco chief executive, said he was proud of the giant strides the company had made over the last 15 years, during which time the new number of branches has increased seven-fold, but more impressively turnover has increased 28-times over.
“Selco Builders Warehouse is enjoying tremendous success, despite the tough economic conditions we have experienced, particularly in the building industry,” said Chris.
“We have embarked on an ambitious growth strategy which has enabled us to cater and serve the needs of our customers whilst creating jobs at a time when many people are looking for work and new challenges. To ensure we deliver great service to our customers we put a huge amount of importance on investing in our people through training and development. Employment at Selco isn’t simply a job, it is a career.
“Whilst we haven’t been wholly unaffected by the strain in the economy, our approach means that the demand for Selco stores is growing all the time. We opened two new branches within the M25 last year in Wimbledon and Old Kent Road, both of which exceeded our optimistic forecasts and budgets so we must be getting something right.
“Our approach is focussed and our commitment to our customers is paramount. This is reflected in our straight talking attitude across our business. This is underpinned by three guarantees to our customers: straight pricing where we offer genuine trade prices, with no need to buy in bulk; a complete trade service with local staff who are available to help in branch; and the Got It Guarantee which means we offer thousands of quality trade products available in branch to take away.”
“The new stores in Isleworth and Redhill will join the other 34 branches in addressing the need for a wide range of materials and equipment, immediately in stock and at the right price, something our customers have come to rely on. We are constantly working on new sites and 2015 will see even more Selco openings.
As well as investing in new branches, the company is also introducing a tool and plant hire service to all 19 London branches, plus Reading and Slough.
Initially trialled at its Hanworth and Nottingham branches last year, Selco Hire allows tradesmen the opportunity to hire anything from step ladders to six ton dumpers.
Chris added: “Selco Hire has proved very successful at the Hanworth and Nottingham branches and we’re now ready to introduce it right across London.
“Our goal is for our customers to be able to get everything they need in one place, saving them time and money.”
Selco has launched a new advertising campaign to find new employees and a dedicated microsite is also in development for the Selco Hire service exclusively for the trade, which will give tradesman access to product and prices online.
For further information, log on to www.selcobw.com.