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The name Sydenhams has long been associated with the supply of timber products and building materials across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Oxfordshire, Avon and the Isle of Wight. The company was originally founded in 1874 by James Thomas Sydenham on a site in Poole, Dorset, where timber is still imported today.
The opening of a branch in Glastonbury has led to the latest purchase of a DAF XF Space Cab from south coast commercial vehicle specialists, Adams Morey. Jamie Thompson is the Group Transport Manager for Sydenhams and he looks after the fleet of some 64 HGV vehicles, 58 of which are DAFs. They are predominantly a mixture of 18T and 26T DAF LF and CF 2 and 3 axle rigids, of which 44 are fitted with Hiab cranes. 
Jamie says of his fleet and its use: “We supply timber products and building materials to customers across the south and the Glastonbury site will provide a supply link from Penzance to North Wales. Therefore there was the need for another tractor unit, we decided upon a DAF XF with a Space Cab which would fit for our needs.
“We inherited a few older vehicles with the latest acquisition at Glastonbury, some of which we have disposed of. As a company, we are set on a planned upgrade of the fleet over the next few years. We like to own our vehicles and so we are also replacing some of the leased trucks. There was a need for a new DAF XF artic and, being that this was our first ever purchase of a new tractor unit, there was a great deal of excitement and when it arrived it looked a picture in our colours and livery. We also ran a trailer refurbishment program of the inherited trailers where we had them re-sprayed and the fitment of new curtains. They now sit in our colours and livery, which again we think looks very smart”
Sydenhams source their timber from Europe and the business has evolved to include the design and manufacture of roofing structures and timber frame buildings as well as the supply of building materials, landscaping services, kitchens and bathrooms, flooring products and tool and plant hire.
John Pee has been at Adams Morey for 29 years and is the Adams Morey territory sales manager. His association with Sydenhams eclipses Jamie’s 19 years with the firm. John says: “The relationship between Adams Morey and Sydenhams has been built on honesty and trust. Not only do we sell them vehicles, but we service them also. DAF has been the No. 1 selling truck manufacturer in the UK for the past 25 consecutive years. We like to think that our back up for customers, including the DAF Aid service, coupled with sensible pricing and efficient, reliable trucks keep us at the head of the manufacturer’s list.
“I personally have developed an excellent relationship with Jamie. We can sit around a table and resolve any issues amicably, discuss plans and specifications of future truck purchases to suit their use.”
From his point of view Jamie is pleased to reflect on the relationship with Adams Morey and John in particular: “At Sydenhams we are upfront and honest with our customers and Adams Morey have the same ethos. The reliability and uptime of the vehicles is key for us. Our customers require their materials to be delivered on time so as not to delay their projects. At Sydenhams we pride ourselves on the level of customer service we provide.
