Expansion fuels Bradfords’ turnover growth

Independent builders and plumbers merchant group Bradfords saw turnover rise by 19% in the 2017 to 2018 financial year, taking it over the £150m mark for the first time.

The company puts the rise down to its expansion and continued investment in staff.

It now has 42 builders merchant businesses, 23 YPS plumbing branches, 23 tool hire branches and nine kitchen and bathroom showrooms. More acquisitions and green field sites are planned for this year including a relocation of the Sherborne store to a purpose-built 2.5acre site.

Last year saw a drive to become the easiest merchant to do business with by recruiting branch managers and improving internal processes and procedures, allowing branch teams to focus more on customers.

David Young, Managing Director of BBS said: “We are excited about the year ahead – our customer base is busy and market uncertainties do not seem to be slowing them down. The weather has clearly helped in recent months however the underlying local market dynamics remain strong and we are confident of maximising every opportunity in the years ahead.

“The business was established in 1770 and we look forward to 2020 and celebrating 250 years in merchanting. We are a family owned business and the future looks bright for another 250 years.”

There are now three separate sales offices and more than 20 sales people on the road, while the partnership team, which works with housing associations and service providers is also growing.

The company reports that its consumer retail website is performing well, with the trade website due to launch in September. This will allow customers to order deliveries and make click and collect purchases as well as see invoices, proof of delivery and pay their invoices.

Bradfords is a member of independent buying group h&b.