Issue 1 : Marh 2012
T H E
D E V O N D A L E
E L E C T R I C A L
N E W S L E T T E R
Apprenticeships represent the future for Devondale
Pictured Left to right: Ryan Peryer (Torquay Branch), Ben Stringer (Barnstaple Branch) Paul Wood (Managing Director), Thomas Philp (Exeter Branch), Lucas Hockaday (Taunton Branch).
Devondale’s commitment to the future has resulted in the business recruiting four new apprentices who are now working at branches in Exeter, Torquay, Barnstaple and Taunton.
Managing Director Paul Wood, said: “We are delighted with the new recruits who not only bring enthusiasm and energy to their work but also new ideas and a refreshing inquisitiveness.
The new apprentices are Thomas Philip (Exeter), Ryan Peryer (Torquay), Ben Stringer (Barnstaple) and Lucas Hockaday from Taunton.
“As we expand our business and increase our services from predominantly trade counter and same day delivery to commercial contracting, consultancy, fire defence, security and low energy installation, we need trained staff to meet growing customers’ expectations.
Devondale’s new apprenticeship scheme has been supported by the Electrical Distributors Association which is providing on-site training and assessment for the young men who are studying for an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Distribution, Warehousing & Storage.
“Our apprentices represent a key investment for us which lays the foundations for the business’ future growth.
“Efficient distribution, warehousing and storage operations form a vital part of our business and completing a qualification will enhance our apprenticeships skills, making them more effective in their job role and better equipping them for their future career with us. “They are learning broad skills including keeping the workplace secure and contributing to maintaining a safe workforce as well as more role specific skills such as despatching materials, lifting, transferring and positioning materials and operating specialist machinery. Devondale also operates other branches in Exeter and Glastonbury.
Welcome to the first edition of the Devondale
newsletter
‘Positive
Contact’. The aim of this publication is to keep you updated of developments at your local wholesaler and to keep you informed of future events we are holding to compliment your business. Take a look at our events list, all aimed at helping your business succeed in these challenging times. It
is
appropriate
as
Devondale
celebrates 30 years’ service to the electrical industry that we are looking to the future and I am delighted with the success of our apprenticeship program. Our aim here at Devondale is to always do the best we can for our customers and I am extremely lucky that I have an experienced and dedicated team ready to deliver a top level of service to you. I am always keen to hear views and feedback from our customers and I can be contacted by email at pwood@devondale.net
Paul Wood
DEVONDALE TRADE SHOW 2011 The annual Devondale Trade Show took place on 22 June at Powderham Castle near Exeter overover 200 customers and nearly 40 exhibitors attending on the day.
range of products and keep them updated on new products and developments in the industry whilst participating in a range of activities during the day.
Commenting on the event Sales Director, Dave Newcombe said: “Our Trade Show is an opportunity to say thank you to our loyal customers and invite them along to see a
Guests were invited to join in activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery and birds of prey display there was also the opportunity to have a tour of the castle.
Watch out for details of our 2012 Show!
Glastonbury success for Ollie Devondale’s latest branch at Glastonbury which opened in April 2011 has proved to be a great success under the management of Ollie Boon who said that is Devondale’s reputation for readily available stock and same day delivery that has made all the difference.
quicker and more cost-effectively than anyone else. ”It also helps that I’ve got great support from Chris Austwick and Samm Pa-Tay who are both local lads and as enthusiastic about what we’re trying to achieve as I am.”
The Glastonbury branch is conveniently located on Adlams Central Park on the outskirts of the town. The premises benefit from a useful mezzanine floor with a meeting room where Ollie intends holding manufacturer training days and product presentations. Ollie summed it up when he said: “We’re just continuing with traditional Devondale values because they work – expertise, knowledge, responsiveness and holding good stock levels.
27 year-old Ollie who has worked for Devondale almost since leaving school and transferred to Glastonbury after 12 years at the Taunton branch tells us the feedback from customers has been really positive. He said: “We have opened over 100 new accounts and hugely increased our sales counter business in the first four months of trading and have doubled our stock. Customers have been impressed with our proactive approach, the speed with which we look after them and that we are introducing new products. “It’s been mostly trade custom but more people are learning about us and coming in to buy over the counter. We are listening very closely to what our customers are saying and this is giving us a competitive edge as we are able to satisfy their needs
Picture: Ollie Boon is flanked by Chris Austwick and Samm Pa-Tay.
Join Us for Breakfast at your local branch for demonstrations and information on the latest products Torquay Contactum - 24 February Sowton Envirovent - 29 February Barnstaple Calibration Morning - 1 March Barnstaple Securefast, Fire & Security - 21 March
Keep up to date at
www.devondale.net
Paul‘s Golden Ticket for an iPad
Devondale customer Paul Crees is a very happy man after winning an iPad in the Led Robus Golden Ticket promotion in the summer. Paul is pictured receiving his prize from Devondale’s Sowton Branch Manager, Peter Oats
Recycle your low energy bulbs at Devondale In association with Recolight, Devondale is offering a free lamp and bulb recycling service at each of our branches saving customers the expense of disposal costs.
We comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations (WEEE) covering a wide range of equipment which contain important materials that can be recycled such as low-energy or energy-saving light bulbs, fluorescent tubes and most other light bulbs used today in offices, homes and outdoor applications. Only filament lamps are excluded.
Low energy light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than old fashioned bulbs, but to do this, they need a small amount of mercury which is why they can’t be thrown away in your bin. If we all recycle we can protect our environment, and the mercury, glass and metal can be reused.
Welcome to LED Awareness Seminars Martyn Brown Martyn Brown has joined Devondale as a specialist fire and security consultant to address the increasing security concerns from businesses and private clients. Martyn joins the business after a career as an electrician where he acquired specialist expertise in fire detection and alarm systems including CCTV, door entry and emergency lighting. “We advise businesses and private residences on the most appropriate systems to protect their premises and we also support contractors with surveys, detailed drawings and equipment of the right quality.” Devondale’s managing director Paul Wood, added: “We have always had a fire and security consultancy capability as well as the ability to survey and commission but until now it has been very much a reactive service. “Martyn’s appointment greatly strengthens our team and his expertise will raise the profile of our fire and security solutions capability.” Devondale, which has two trade counters outlets in Exeter with further branches in Barnstaple, Taunton, Torquay and Glastonbury, has provided fire, security and emergency lighting to businesses and organizations across a wide range of sectors. If you would like a site survey or to discuss your requirements, Martyn can be contacted on 07875 273161.
Devondale Electrical For ALL Your Security Needs
In partnership with lighting specialist LED Robus, Devondale recently hosted a number of seminars at its Exeter offices focusing on LED Awareness and how the many applications of LED Technology can bring both environmental benefits and cost savings to businesses.
Anyone interested in attending a future LED Awareness event and seeing how this can benefit businesses, please contact any Devondale branch to register your interest.
Mike Biggs of LED Robus demonstrated an energy saving calculator which showed how quickly cost savings can be achieved. He said: “At a time of rising energy costs customers are seeing the real benefits of making the investment in this lighting technology and through the improved efficiency saving money as a result.” Devondale are offering a free lighting design service on projects and any of its brances can be contacted for details.
WINWINWIN Win a range of golfing accessories by solving our Wordsearch. There are 12 electrical related words hidden in the grid. Find them from the list below and identify the one that doesn’t appear.
E mail your one word answer to Wordsearch@devondale. net to enter the draw for the golf accessory prizes which will take place in March 2012. The winners will be announced on our website www.devondale.net.
Happy searching Devondale Fire Alarm Glastonbury
Socket Cable Security
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O A L U H K F E W R W E R D C Y R U B N O T S A L G S O N S Extension lead Lighting Electric
Emergency Floodlight
switch fuse