Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Builders merchant Jewson has opened its latest Branch of the Future, by redeveloping the St Austell branch. On Friday February 6, nearly 700 attendees gathered to get a first look at everything on offer in the newly updated branch, on the town’s Holmbush Industrial Estate.
As part of the event. football legends Peter Reid, Jimmy Bullard and Nigel Martyn played games with guests and took part in a Q&A hosted by Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling. There were musical performances from local artists, as well as food trucks, supplier demos, on-the-day deals, and even a special appearance from the famous Dulux dog.
Students from Cornwall Construction College demonstrated the range of specialist skills they’ve learnt during their studies, and Jewson revealed its very own Cornish tartan, made bespoke to pay tribute to a key part of the region’s history and identity.
Steve Wickett, Jewson St Austell’s branch manager, said: “The opening of our new St Austell branch marks a significant milestone – not only for the local community, but for our business and the wider construction industry. At Jewson, we’re proud to partner the trades, so it was brilliant to see so many people come together for this unique celebration, to experience the branch first hand and celebrate the skill, pride and passion in the sector, across the South West region.”
He added that the project began in earnest in April 2025. “We’re Cornwall’s largest Jewson branch, and we kept trading throughout the whole refurbishment process. That was a serious challenge, but I have nothing but praise for the team here who were fantastic. They just rose to every challenge.”
