Growth continues at independent builders’ merchant

North East and Yorkshire independent builders’ merchant James Burrell has reported continued progress during a year in which they announced their largest investment to date.

A multi-million-pound outlay in their 11^th branch at Billingham has been instrumental in seeing the family owned and managed business leverage further operational and logistical efficiencies and thus enhance their overall customer offering.

Established in 1877 and with the next generation of family pushing into senior management positions alongside MD Mark Richardson and Chairman Steve Richardson, the company remain very proud of their longevity and heritage.

Recently filed accounts at Companies House for the year to October 2022 have resulted in a 24% increase in turnover to £113.5m, a pre-tax profit up by 14.8% to £3.5m and a strong working capital base.

In a report alongside these accounts, Managing Director Mark Richardson made the following comments. “The directors are satisfied by the performance for the year. The first half of 2022 carried on with the construction sector continuing to experience heightened demand for building materials. Economic and political developments resulted in a more challenging trading environment for the second half of the year. These variable conditions are widely anticipated to continue throughout 2023”.

Within the next 12 months, a widespread upgrade to IT infrastructure will help staff to maintain their leading levels of customer service. The ethos of promoting a people focused culture remains at the heart of everything James Burrell stands for and is the primary reason behind the excellent staff retention rate.

Looking ahead, a strong financial footing and robust balance sheet means the business is suitably placed to pursue further expansion opportunities and remains confident of steady growth to continue in both turnover and profitability when more favourable trading conditions return.