inside
HOW TO SPOT FRAUD l BRANCH GOES VEGGIE
Merchant matters
for everyone in sgbd uk & ireland summer 2013
win THE SAFETY HIGHWAYMEN
A FUJIFILM DIGITAL CAMERA
Team on road to nab ideas
HELPING THE JOBLESS Work experience teaches vital new skills
Lending a
hand RECORD SUM RAISED FOR BARNARDO’S
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Peter’s
perspective
I
am pleased to report that our safety performance so far this year has been positive. Trends over the past five years show continuous improvement and I have witnessed great examples of genuine commitment to keeping our colleagues and customers safe. For example, two Jewson Regions – North and Scotland – achieved Millionaire status, having worked a million hours without a lost time accident. This is a truly significant achievement, reported on page seven, of which all involved should be very proud. And on page nine you can read about colleagues who visited a top safety performing Saint-Gobain business to learn vital lessons to take back to their sites. For all of us the challenge remains to strive for our ultimate goal of zero accidents. There are further examples in this issue of teams sharing ideas across businesses – that’s not only good for safety, but crucial for good business too. We should never forget the opportunities we have to share ideas, best practice and market intelligence. In terms of the market, well it doesn’t matter if you are a builder, a farmer or a gardener, many businesses were hit by the poor weather at the start of this year. For us it has made what was already a tough market even tougher, although it hasn’t altered our priorities for 2013: to focus on working safely and putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. What it does mean, however, is that we must move fast when we recognise an opportunity and remain focused to make up the lost ground. The economic forecasts, like those for the weather, have not been hugely encouraging. There is little sign of rapid recovery in our key markets, although there are some hopeful signs of a slow improvement, such as a small rise in the number of planning permissions and borrowing levels. On the centre pages you can read about our latest Store Wars challenge. You may never have linked our efforts to support Barnardo’s to our business performance but the teams involved displayed resourcefulness, hard work, team spirit, energy, sales focus and competitiveness. This not only helped raise a record £66,847 but demonstrates that these skills and qualities exist in abundance across our businesses, and will be what gives us that edge over our competitors. Thank you all for your continued hard work and commitment. I’d like to wish you and your families a safe and happy summer…whatever the weather. Dr Peter Hindle MBE
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Over to you: Rebecca Griffiths and Michelle Pole share roles at Neville Lumb
NEWS
FEatures
5 ONLINE GOES DOWN YOUR WAY Graham’s new E-Trade site gives users a local flavour
10 STORE WARS Teams turn shopkeepers to raise record amount for Barnardo’s
9 SAFETY ON THE ROAD Jewson team gets out and about to gather safety tips
12 parent friendly Neville Lumb actively encourages new mums to return to work
ETTING 14 G READY FOR WORK JP Corry is giving unemployed people valuable experience 16 HOLE LOT CLOSER Official start made on the new IDS head office
your WORLD 19 minster man’s monster ride Off to Brussels – by bike 20 G ET SNAPPING WIN a camera
get in touch Send in your news, opinions and story ideas to your Merchant Matters brand representative or direct to: mm@pressgang.eu JEWSON mira.popovic@jewson.co.uk kate.seddon@jewson.co.uk
CTD shirley.holland@ctdtiles.co.uk katie.clapham@saint-gobain.com
MINSTER lee.cowling@minsteronline.co.uk
NEVILLE LUMB kev.flint@nevillelumb.co.uk
SGBD IRELAND michelle.jenkins@jpcorry.co.uk
IDS rebecca.slinn@idsurfaces.co.uk
TIMBER BUSINESSES cate.gregory@pasquill.co.uk
IDEAL BATHROOMS lyndsey.bailey@idealbathrooms.com
GIBBS & DANDY GROUP andrew.cushing@gibbsanddandy.com
SGBD UK & IRELAND laura.pinney@saint-gobain.com
GRAHAM GROUP john.pitcher@grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk
email: mm@pressgang.eu call: +44 (0)20 7268 3232
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news From left: Andy Barrett, Neil Hope and Ian Fayers
We’re growing our own reen-fingered pals at Minster Didcot will have no problems getting their ‘five a day’ in the coming months. They have started growing fruit and veg themselves in their own workplace allotment. A 15ft-square patch of ground between the offices and warehouse was cordoned off in the wake of Environment, Health and Safety Day last autumn. After preparing the plot and planting during the winter months, Branch Manager Neil Hope and his team are now more than eager to reap the harvest. First crops will include onions and garlic, with runner beans, strawberries and fruit trees following on. The branch has much to thank Transport Manager Andy Barrett for. Andy, Didcot’s Health and Safety Champion, already has an allotment of his own.
5 A DAY
He suggested the idea to his workmates and has helped to set things up. The ground has required a lot of hard work and preparation. Their ‘shopping list’ featured two tons of sharp sand, a ton of topsoil, rolls of chicken wire and the services of a rotavator. And who better to supply all of that than the local Jewson? “Creating the allotment has been really good for building team spirit,” says Neil. “That sounds a bit corny but it’s absolutely true. “Everyone here is playing their part, and it’s become a real talking point for customers and suppliers or anyone from head office visiting the branch.”
STOP-START MOVE TO A GREENER FLEET A new fleet of eco-friendly delivery vehicles is being brought in to cut down on Ideal Bathrooms’ CO2 emissions. The 36 vans and lorries of various sizes will feature stop-start technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is not moving. Ideal Bathrooms hopes the new fleet will help it provide the best possible delivery service to its customers throughout the country.
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Solar panels will soon be helping to power children’s education after Jewson and Pasquill came together to help build an eco-classroom. Jewson Aylesbury took an order for roof trusses for St Mary’s Church of England School in Haddenham. It was then down to colleagues at Pasquill to make sure the trusses were designed to accommodate the solar panels.
Senior Designer Richard Arnold said: “We do classroom roofs quite often but this was quite unusual because we had to make sure it could accommodate the solar panels flush to the roof. “After the customer went to Jewson we then talked to them about the design. It was important we worked together to make sure we got it right and gave them what they wanted.”
From left: Mike Gatting, Richard McCarthy, Jordan Cornwall, Alex Chambers, Roger Moore and Emmet McAlinden Below: Roger with Boris
Owzat for a helping hand! Cricketers at Harrow Town CC welcomed some heavyweight support for their earlyseason tidy-up. Among those helping to spruce up the ground were former England cricket skipper Mike Gatting and volunteers from the local Jewson. Six staff spent the day resurfacing an area behind the clubhouse to smarten the space, improve drainage and keep weeds at bay. The event was one of a number helping to promote the awardwinning NatWest
CricketForce initiative. When a cricket club opens a Jewson Privilege Account with an initial payment of £100, the England and Wales Cricket Board will add a further £400. The money means that grassroots clubs
such as Harrow Town can buy building and decorating products for use by volunteers to help keep their facilities in top condition. Adding to the occasion at Harrow Town CC were England captains Alastair Cook and Charlotte Edwards and Mayor of London Boris Johnson. Steve Gillson, Regional Sales Manager for Jewson, said: “I’m very proud of our volunteers. They gave a full day of their time and the results speak for themselves.”
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Tribute to guru of Guernsey DHS employees and customers have paid tribute to the man dubbed ‘Mr Central Heating’. Heating Designer Nick MacPhail had a good sendoff at La Grande Mare hotel in Guernsey to mark his retirement after 40 years in the industry. Colleagues and suppliers honoured the contribution he made to local heating systems. His inventions – most famously the thermal storage combi – made a big impression on the industry and are used throughout the UK and Europe today. Martyn Duquemin, Managing Director DHS – a Gibbs & Dandy brand – said: “Nick’s knowledge of the heating industry would be hard to surpass and he will be sorely missed by his work colleagues and the heating industry as a whole.”
Martyn, left, and Nick
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news
Fulham just got faster Jewson Fulham now boasts a new kitchen and bathroom showroom complete with a wide range of styles and designs. The new fast response system means customers ordering the Studio kitchen and bathroom ranges can expect delivery within 48 hours. Jon Thelwell, Kitchen & Bathroom Market Director, said: “We’re really proud of our new showroom and the broad choice of ranges we can offer. Trade professionals and the general public can take advantage of the showroom in addition to a free planning service.”
Opening night: guests at the new showroom
Local online A new way to win online business has been unveiled by Graham. In April the company launched E-Trade in two of its 22 families, Glasgow and Thames Valley. National roll-out is due for completion by July. From the outset the focus has been on the customer, says Jennie Richards, Online Marketing Manager. Extensive research was carried out including customer forums, filmed and run by independent experts. Current and future customer needs and what competitors were doing were part of the process that helped to focus on the trading aspect. Keeping it local was another driving factor in the development of the site. Each of the 22 families has its own page complete with contact details and opening hours as well as a picture of the outside of the branch. A further tool is the ‘local notice board’ where trade days and regional offers can be promoted. The most powerful aspect of the local pages is the opportunity to get
the Graham name to the top of the Google search list. The importance of this is highlighted by the fact that, for example, 269 searches a month are made for ‘plumbers merchant Glasgow’. Jennie pledged: “We aim to rank first and so give our branches vital support in driving new business.” A product library, with categories covering heating and spares, plumbing and plastics, bathrooms, tools and, shortly renewables, includes specifications, high quality images and downloadable product literature. The turnround from designing the platform through prototype build, development, testing and launch took just six months. And already the results look promising, with page views up from 102,315 in March to 258,874 in April. Jennie said: “We’ve taken a giant first leap and from here we have a stable, value-adding platform that we will continually improve. “It’s not simply a ‘project’, it is a shift in the way we do business.”
APPS GET A NEW LOOK Launched in 2011, Graham’s iPhone and Android apps have had a refresh. Improved navigation gives better visibility of product offers and, in response to feedback, the apps also offer a better branch locator function. Also new is a Channel Graham live streaming function. This updates as new stories appear on the Channel Graham site. Check out the changes at www.channelgraham.co.uk
258,874 Number of page views in April compared with 102,315 in March
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news
ts
Foundation studen
Postgraduate students
Students celebrate study success
WE MADE IT! Nearly two dozen colleagues across Saint-Gobain Building Distribution (SGBD) in the UK have claimed their reward following a tough year of study. Some have achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Multi Unit Leadership and Strategy, while the remainder earned the Jewson Foundation Degree in Builders’ Merchanting. The graduates took centre stage at a ceremony in Birmingham Symphony Hall. All received their awards from Professor Cliff Allan, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, and were congratulated by Dr Peter Hindle MBE, Chief Executive of SGBD UK & Ireland. Both courses take about a year to complete and each
“Studying for the degree helped me to focus on the business’s requirements using an academic approach. I found it inspirational and motivating the way the course helped me to help drive our business forward.” Foundation Degree graduate Debbie Wilson, Branch Manager, Graham Colchester.
entails considerable extra learning out of hours. “It’s a major commitment on their part,” says Jodie Hammond, Jewson Training Manager. “But earning a degree helps towards climbing the professional ladder. “Some of our students may have left school with no formal qualifications and might have been feeling that they had somehow ‘missed the boat’. “Others may be younger who never progressed
“The knowledge gained from completing the course offers a completely different insight when you review your operations and actions. It’s opened my eyes to alternative solutions or processes that previously I would never even have considered.” Postgraduate Diploma student Neil Donnelly, Branch Manager, Jewson Norton.
learn how to manage people
Seven new online learning modules for the PeopleSoft system have been unveiled. The completely revised and updated modules are available to anyone who would use PeopleSoft in their normal role – from time recorders to branch and assistant branch managers,
into further education, or maybe have a degree in another subject.” The postgraduates were required to complete an in-company project during the diploma, in addition to the course’s four main learning modules. It meant the students could not only deliver something that adds value to the business, but also use what they’d learned from the programme to do so. “The students find the postgraduate programme extremely challenging. Watching them develop and grow over the 12 months and start using the analytical abilities needed by managerial leaders is a pleasure to see,” said Avril Staley, Head of Training and Development SGBD.
in fact anyone in SGBD concerned with managing people. The modules cover all the changes made to the system, including the new single signon access facility. Anyone who took the original (now retired) modules will still have access
The Graduates
Foundation Degree GRAHAM: Chris Lee, John Irvine, Ricky McNeice, Debbie Wilson, Philip Mccullough JEWSON: Gary Eddy, Gordon Simpson, Dan Vallance, Andrew Wordingham, Jefferson Smith, Nick Jones, Jane Potter Postgraduate Diploma GRAHAM: Kevin Ambrose, Robert Baker, Jim Glasscock IDS: Claire Lambert JEWSON: John Clark, Jonty Davies, Neil Donnelly, James Jack, Mark Robinson, James Truman
to these via the ‘My Learning’ link on The Gateway. Steve Porter, SGBD E-Learning Training Manager, said: “These modules are the latest in a series of new e-learning training now being added.” For information email: steve.porter@sgbd.co.uk
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news
Two years, still growing
thanks a million – north is safer
Andy, left, receives his award from Peter
Greenworks team celebrates: Steve Warwick, Marcus Jefford, Susan Marum and Andy Nicholls
8k
quite the opposite. TRADES PEOPLE and companies have a colleagues, “Customer demand “fantastic” opportunity to make the most of customers and means we’ve never changes now sweeping the industry. suppliers trained been busier. We can Greenworks Training Academy, having now offer training out just celebrated its second anniversary, is at of hours, which allows the forefront of these changes and provides us to bring in an increased support to help contractors and companies number of people during the along the journey. normal working day and make the most of The academy has already evolved beyond this facility. its initial training role and is keen to help “Our free Green Deal awareness days are SGBD companies win new business in terms also a big attraction, and we aim to stay of sustainable and renewable products and ahead of the market and look to extend our energy saving ideas. offer whenever and however we can. Spiralling fuel prices and new government “Finally and importantly, it’s much easier backed schemes and initiatives such as the to advise potential customers and sell Green Deal, have been key factors in driving products when you understand how they this sector, says Marcus work and the benefits they offer.” Jefford, Greenworks Operations and Marketing Director. If you’re interested in extending your hours training He said: “As product knowledge check out the delivered in first well as offering a latest employee training courses at: www. two years comprehensive greenworks-gateway.co.uk to find out selection of training more or book a course call 0121 328 9150. courses, we want to become the ‘go-to’ place to help innovative Plaster masters… companies to shape and The Greenworks develop their ideas. Training Academy “Through the excellence of our now offers plasterers offer – in training, support, industry and renderers the opportunity to hone knowledge and more – we hope to their talents in pursuit develop customer loyalty across the of a professional SGBD businesses and help establish qualification. A new customers for life.” Upskill course, which Marcus added: “Our first two years combines practical have flown by and have been both and classroom-based learning, is a steppingchallenging and exciting. stone towards “We’re on a voyage of discovery that accreditation for shows no sign of slowing down… in fact, installing external wall
55k
Safety Champions across Jewson North have won special praise for their “tireless” efforts in the cause. Their contribution towards the region’s health and safety record has been second to none, declares Andy Boileau, Regional Director. “Everybody in Jewson North has played their part, but I’ve been most impressed by our Champions’ vigilance, commitment and selfless dedication,” he says. Andy’s salute came as he collected the Millionaires Club award on behalf of the region from Dr Peter Hindle MBE, CE Saint-Gobain Building Distribution UK & Ireland. Jewson North became the first region in the company’s history to achieve the status for working one million hours without a lost time accident. The Millionaires Club presentation took place at Durham, one of the region’s most improved branches for near-miss reporting. Ross McAlpine, Branch Manager, said: “Our advice to others would be to set your safety standards high and everything else will follow on from that.” n Jewson Scotland Region has made it a double celebration by also achieving Millionaire status. The presentation was made as Merchant Matters went to print.
insulation.
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EVENING OF DARTS HITS THE MARK Jewson hit the bullseye by sponsoring an evening of top-flight darts in Leamington Spa. As well as staging the event, the local branch invited 20 of its customers to share the best table in the audience and afterwards meet and greet all the players. “It was a fantastic occasion, they really enjoyed every minute,” Alex Surrey, General Manager, told Merchant Matters. “And it was a great opportunity for all of us from Jewson to get to know our customers better. “And i t’s certainly done well for our profile in the town.” Five-time world champion
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Trust Frazer to deliver at short notice Colleagues from Frazer Wolverhampton jumped into action when they fulfilled a short-notice request for specialist products from CPC Civil Engineering. CPC requested a number of items to repair a leaking steel water mains pipe for Severn Trent Water. Lee Murphy, Key Account Manager, said: “The request came in on a Wednesday and everything needed to be delivered on the Friday. “I noticed one of the items was missing from the supplier and personally delivered the handwheel on Saturday. I will always do whatever is in my means to help my customers. It’s important for them to have the peace of mind to know we will always deliver on an order.” Customer Alan Hatton, from CPC, said: “CPC and Frazer teamed up to
Raymond Van Barneveld (pictured) claimed the Jewson Warwickshire Masters title with an 11-5 victory over world number three Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis. And the packed Assembly Rooms was further entertained by big Andy Fordham’s 6-1 drubbing of Eric Bristow in an alllegends clash. The Crafty Cockney also took on celebrity challengers on stage, among them former Coventry City striker Noel Whelan. Alex added: “I’d love to do something like this again soon, maybe even at a bigger venue.”
draw up a list of pipe and fittings for this job which were by no means off the shelf. “Valves and various other fittings were shipped from far and wide as well as from Frazer’s well-stocked depot in Walsall. All in all this was a fantastic turnaround from start to finish and would not have happened without some rapid decision making by Frazer.”
Customers were asked to share the best table in the audience and afterwards meet and greet all the players.
Showbus at large in the UK Back with a bang… The Kronoswiss Showbus has again been out and about in the UK this summer, courtesy of IDS. The travelling exhibition parked up at all 12 of the company’s branches. Each stopover – lasting up to two days – gave IDS customers the chance to climb aboard and run the rule over latest Kronoswiss displays and products. Many regard Kronoswiss as the world’s leading brand of wood-based panel products based on Swiss-made quality, design innovation and environmental credentials. So IDS was eager to make the most of each visit. Andy Ransom, Purchasing Manager for Panel Products at IDS, said: “The Showbus travels non-stop across Europe and is in high demand. “So we were delighted to secure it for a UK tour and give our customers this opportunity to see the full Kronoswiss offer first hand.”
The Kronoswiss Showbus
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look to a new market The UK’s ageing population has opened up a whole new market in bathroom design. So says Ideal Bathrooms’ Commercial Director Danielle Lillis, who is encouraging showrooms to make the most of the growing need for people to future-proof their homes. Inclusive Design, as it’s known in the trade, offers a number of products to make people’s bathrooms more accessible as they get older. lifestyle Danielle said: “No one wants their home to look ‘institutional’ but a lot can be accomplished to make life easier without compromising the style and attraction of a modern bathroom. “As the elderly continue to represent an increasing percentage of the population, retailers can put themselves forward as a source of knowledgeable advice to make consumers’ homes better suited to the lifestyle changes which are brought about by age or infirmity.” Ideal Bathrooms has included a feature on this market in its Create Your Ideal Bathroom showroom sales guide.
On the look-out: the West Yorkshire team at Eggborough
See a good idea? Steal it! Safety champions across SGBD are being urged to practise a little constructive ‘thievery’… but all in a good cause. “When they come across any ideas to improve health and safety, I want people to go out and grab the best to use themselves,” says Jewson’s Bob Nash, West Yorkshire area director. “That’s the big message whether these good ideas originate from any of our sister companies or from other manufacturers and suppliers.” Exchanging best practice is a must-do within Saint-Gobain, Bob continues. “We’re not simply Jewson, Minster, Graham or Gibbs & Dandy working away in our own separate silos. We have so much in common – for example, we all have forklift trucks moving around our sites. “So the health and safety messages will be much the same for each company, and the best of these definitely need to be shared around.” Ten safety champions from Jewson West Yorkshire recently
visited the Saint-Gobain Glass UK manufacturing facility at Eggborough. This proved a great example of our people working together and sharing best practice across brands and sectors. “We were made very welcome by our Saint-Gobain cousins,” Bob tells Merchant Matters. “They taught us a great deal and we’ve taken some best practice back to our branches to trial.” Now Bob plans more visits off-site for his safety champions’ quarterly get-togethers. And that will mean excursions to other locations that are exemplars of health and safety excellence, including other manufacturers and suppliers. Bob adds: “Some of our sister SGBD companies might want to follow our footsteps and visit places like Eggborough. “I guarantee they’d see things there that would benefit their own businesses. And anyone who didn’t gain a lot from such a visit would be going round with their eyes closed and ears plugged.”
I want to see the best H&S ideas shared Bob Nash West Yorkshire area director
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STORE WARS On your bike: Paul models the big giveaway
Wacky raisers! Store Wars teams BAG a record £66,847 Colleagues from Gibbs & Dandy, Jewson and Minster raised a record £66,847 during this year’s month-long Store Wars challenge. Teams undertook personal challenges from chest waxes to climbing mountains to raise more funds. Trina Gable, Corporate Relationship Manager, Barnardo’s, said: “A huge thank you to all those
BIKE PRIZE GIVES JEWSON A BIG LIFT TO SUCCESS Seven Jewson colleagues smashed the normal day’s takings at their local Barnardo’s shop. The team raised £1,200 at the Liverpool branch in Hunts Cross, an amount that would normally take the store more than six days to achieve. Headed by Branch Manager Paul Menzies, from Jewson Widnes, the team decked themselves in fancy dress and held a raffle, tombola and face painting to bring in the bucks. Key to their success was planning, said Paul: “I visited the store four times before the day to meet the manager and discuss our plans. The store doesn’t get a lot of footfall so we arranged for a stall to be set up in the
who raised this astonishing figure. The amount of effort that went into making this such a success was appreciated by everyone involved at Barnardo’s. “The money raised will help Barnardo’s expand our child sexual exploitation services so we can support more hard-to-reach children who are the victims of this appalling crime.”
attached shopping centre to sell goods and direct people to the shop. “Because everything was so well planned we didn’t waste any time, everyone knew what they needed to do and got on with it. It’s a no brainer really - if you prepare for anything in life it always goes better.” The team raised a significant amount through a £1-a-ticket raffle with the top prize – a mountain bike – donated by Birchwood Price Tools. Paul said: “We were lucky to have prizes donated. Our second prize was a power drill donated by Bosch and third was a signed Liverpool shirt and teddy from Barnardo’s – signed by Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher.” And it didn’t stop there. Once back to his own branch Paul launched another
fundraising effort. He said: “We set up a cement mixer and challenged customers to try to hit either a golf, rugby, or football in the mixer. It really took off and people got pretty competitive. We raised around £100.”
IT’S SCOOBY DOOBY DANDY FOR GIBBS GUYS Fun was the order of the day as Gibbs & Dandy colleagues raised more than £1,000 at the Barnardo’s shop in Bedford. The team was headed by Operational Support Manager Kevin Beecher who said: “We had four people outside, and two colleagues dressed as Bugs Bunny and Scooby Doo to get people into the store, while five stayed inside to serve customers.
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STORE WARS
The Jewson Endeavour Way team from Wimbledon pledged to all wear dresses for the day
£432,241 R
AISED BY YOU SO FAR FOR BARNARDO’S
From top left: Jenny day, and Mark Wheatley Bottom from left: James Ellis and Georgina Moakes-Britton
“I was really impressed by their efforts, there is no way the store would have taken this figure without us.” Kevin ensured the day went smoothly by transporting all the donated stock into the store the day before and pricing it up. But the knockdown prices didn’t stop Managing Director Neil Lawrence getting harassed by ladies looking for a bargain. Kevin said: “It was a great team-building exercise. “The team was clearly having fun and enjoying themselves and that brought in the money. The store normally takes £200 and we took £1,200.” As a business Gibbs & Dandy raised £10,991 for the charity through fundraisers including chest waxing, climbing Snowdon, cake bakes, massages and fancy dress.
Minster colleagues at Harrogate
MINSTER PUTS ITS SHIRT ON A GREAT RESULT Colleagues from Minster raised the profile of Barnardo’s . . . and more than a few quid to boot! The North team raised the most overall (per head). On the day, not only did they run the local Barnardo’s shop they did bag packing at M&S and took to the streets with collecting tins. Fundraising team leader Adam Taylor, an Area Sales Manager from Bristol, took charge of Barnardo’s in Reading and organised a raffle, with prizes including a signed Wales rugby shirt. He said: “Store Wars is a brilliant initiative and we were all motivated to fundraise for this cause.
Hand-off: Laura Chandler with Minster colleagues Paul Ludlow, Steve Gaggini, Wayne Ingram, Andrew Halstead and Robert LeonMartin at Reading
“We had lots of activities lined up to attract the community and get shoppers to visit the Barnardo’s store.” Team members donated several gifts as prizes to entice shoppers to participate in the fundraising activities and the tombola. He said: “The guys came in good spirits, the locals were keen to donate and we really did enjoy ourselves while doing something that benefits others.” Not content with these efforts, Minster colleagues went back to their branches and agreed on raising a minimum target of £200 each from key suppliers. Minster’s Southern team ran another raffle, which included golf days issued by Saint-Gobain partners British Gypsum and Isover and raised around £2,000 in total. Summer 2013 Merchant Matters 11
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profile
ew companies can match the pedigree of Neville Lumb, a business at the cutting edge of bathroom and sanitaryware since the time of Queen Victoria. Tracing its roots to the 1880s, the firm is renowned for its longevity as well as the quality of its work. And today, in 21st century Britain, Neville Lumb’s fame and fortunes remain on a definite upward curve. Neville Lumb is well into its second decade as part of Saint-Gobain and continues to prosper. And as Brand Director Bradley Moore says: “Being part of Saint-Gobain provides us with the financial support and buying power to become even more of a major player in the commercial sanitaryware sector.” “It also enables us to learn from our SGBD sister companies when it comes to health and safety, customers, service and teamwork.” Specialists in the supply of sanitaryware, Neville Lumb is involved in various market sectors including: hotels, hospitality, public and private healthcare, education and housing, offices, sports and fitness venues, and stadiums and security.
The team at Swadlincote
Bradley continues: “We can provide service and support at all stages, from the specification of products with architects, to working with major contractors, providing advice on site and even specifying projects with clients.” “Our five branches are strategically placed across the UK to provide a national offer while our sales-force provides a local service.” “The two experienced estimating
teams produce hundreds of quotes every month, including complicated tenders, general enquiries, urgent orders and requirements for multi branded complexes such as London’s Shard and the Gherkin. “This combination of product knowledge and focus on customer service helps us stand out from the competition, and has increased our reputation and repeat business.”
IDEAL pARTNERecSome part
b b recently is Neville Lum s Group. Th m oo hr l Bat ility of the ab of the Idea e th s se being her increa change furt an example k together, tail and or re w te to s co brand the Swadlin of t , it will en ne hm Ju the refurbis launched in through om. When le ro b la ow ai sh av e trad ducts d sell only pro roducts an display and me of the p e So ng s. ra ie l an tia p sister com e the Essen erlux r will includ fe ow of Sh on s, s g brand d fittin m suites an tiles from of bathroo or and wall flo i in em G d other an S, showers, ID erwall from ow son Sh , ud H TD , C er uding Web a. brands incl rn te A d an Pro, Altech
Looking up Neville Lumb raises its profile
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Is this the highest loo in Europe? Onwards… and upwards. Neville to Lumb is going from strength t. mos ters mat it re whe ngth stre nt rece t mos One of its lying achievements has been in supp . don Lon ral cent in er Tow rd the Sha e spac , ract cont don As with any Lon was and storage of products on site under pressure. So providing part ntial delivery over two years was esse to the success of the project. One highlight involved working a with a manufacturer to provide
rd’ bespoke basin called ‘The Sha the for y ciall espe ted crea which was building. Neville Lumb now claims the of bragging rights to supplying one the highest toilets in Europe! Neville Lumb’s portfolio also includes the Olympics, Wembley Stadium, The Gherkin, Arsenal’s er and Emirates stadium, Heron Tow sixRoyal Ascot, as well as five- and and star hotels, schools, hospitals prisons.
GROWING TALENT FOR THE FUTURE For a company with a distinguished past, Neville Lumb has its sights firmly set on the future by investing in young talent to help carry the business forward. Two examples are Chris Kightley and Kevin Flint. Chris recently passed his Rising Star course with flying colours. The oneyear course gave him the opportunity to not only develop his sales skills but also demonstrate it within the workplace. It focused on introducing the principles of business as well as showing the development
From left: Kevin and Chris
opportunities within Saint-Gobain. Chris is now working towards an NVQ in sales. Kevin went on a 30-month management programme comprising an 18-month trainee management course followed by a one-year PBM (Post Branch Manager) course. These courses offer development in all aspects of management as well as providing a real understanding of relevant businesses and their structure. Having graduated, Kevin now manages the marketing for Neville Lumb.
WORKING PARENTS ARE GOOD FOR BUSINESS responsibilities and changes in With a team of more than 60 staff circumstances are always respected and with an average of 10 years’ service, accommodated wherever possible,” says Neville Lumb is rich in experience and Brand Director Bradley Moore. knowledge. “At the moment we have This is reinforced with a three mothers whose hours workforce that is more than have been changed to support 25 per cent female, well their requirements.” above the industry average. Michelle Pole changed her This helps in creating hours so she could stay fulla diverse environment time, while Rebecca Griffiths for both employees and and Rachel Balfour took the customers. chance to go part-time and job These figures also share. reflect the extra support Rebecca and Michelle “This not only increases the the business provides in diversity in our workforce but helping mothers back to also means that as a business Neville work. Lumb keeps its experienced staff and “At Neville Lumb parenting
promotes continuity, which is imperative when providing customers with consistent points of contact” Bradley said. And what do the working mums themselves think? “I was keen to stay full-time and the company understood my circumstances perfectly,” said Michelle. “I was delighted and very grateful when they agreed to switch things around to help me.” And Rebecca and Rachel added: “It’s made all the difference – not every employer would have been so helpful and accommodating. “That kind of response really helps to build loyalty and morale.”
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graham staff to get the knowledge Graham’s ambition to have the best trained and most knowledgeable staff within the industry took a step forward this month. David Gledhill, Managing Director for Graham said: “One of Graham’s strategic priorities is to have the most knowledgeable staff as defined by our customers. The launch of our training matrix is our first step towards achieving this.” The brand has developed a training matrix they have named ‘The Knowledge’. This outlines the training courses needed for each job role within its branches, and makes locating and completing them much easier. After pilot runs within the Kent and South Yorkshire families,
The Knowledge is being rolled out across the rest of the branch network. Samantha Hewitt from the Graham HR team suggests: “Using a wallchart and electronic spreadsheet we can identify and measure the training that is taking, or has taken, place across the business. “Creating The Knowledge is good for ourselves and good for our customers. “Through it we’re telling them that our staff really know about the products Graham sells and can talk about them with confidence and answer any questions they might have. “It’s all part and parcel of being ‘the best local’. Also, our suppliers will recognise we’re doing more to sell their products.” The Knowledge will also be used to measure each branch and family’s success and certificates will be awarded in recognition of completing the mandatory, optional or sponsored courses.
... and darren Local Cub Scouts went hammer and tongs to produce 20 bat boxes to achieve their DIY badge. Gibbs & Dandy Pudsey donated the materials after being approached by a customer who is involved in the youth movement. The children, aged between eight and 11, from the 20th Bradford South Scout Group produced the boxes with the
help of Cub Leader Adam Brooke. Darren Hoyland, Branch Manager, said: “We support local community groups and generally the materials we donate are off-cuts or warped so they’re low cost items. “It’s great to see both girls and boys getting involved in joinery and seeing how easy it is. I hope they will be joiners and builders in the future.”
Jobless get a helping hand High unemployment, family poverty, abuse, illiteracy... It’s easy to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to society’s more serious flaws. But colleagues at JP Corry have chosen instead to tackle these and other problems head-on, either independently or in partnership with community organisations. Every year the Belfast-based building supplier prides itself on being active in its community. Most recently the company focused its efforts on educational support programmes, alongside its ongoing charity fundraising and sponsorship. It has concentrated on the jobless, supporting youngsters through education, and helping the vulnerable and less fortunate. JP Corry sponsors the efforts of charity Business in the Community, active in areas where the numbers out of work can reach 40 per cent. A current initiative sees unemployed people working at JP Corry to gain experience that could one day help them into permanent jobs. One of those is 19-yearold Patrick Smyth, who is on work experience of 30 hours a week until August next year. He left school at 17 and has started an NVQ level 2 in carpentry and joinery. He told Merchant Matters: “My placement at Corry’s has been great. I like the place, it’s a good company to work in and the people are sound. “I was made welcome from the day I started and they’re really making every effort to teach me the skills I need. “I’m learning a lot from the staff and my mentor Paul Moore. Right now I’m helping Paul with jobs such as sanding, resizing and re-lipping doors, and attaching intumescent strips to doors.
Patrick, right, with his mentor Paul
“still room for a bit of a craic”
I’m also learning about the different glazing systems and how to glaze a door. “The best bit about it all is getting experience and meeting new people. And it’s good fun in the mill. “Everyone works hard but there’s still room for a bit of a craic. “My main ambition is to get the training I need to pass my course and – hopefully – one day become a joiner. That’s my ideal job. “I’m definitely more confident now that I’ll be able to find work when I leave, or otherwise put my skills to good use and do some work myself until I get a job.”
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EXPO DEBUT IS A REAL KNOCKOUT Roofex, the first-ever UK trade show dedicated to the roofing industry, was a knockout success for Minster in every way. A punchball on the Roofing and Roofline display proved a great ‘ice-breaker’ in getting people to step up to take a swing and talk business at the same time. On an adjacent stand, colleagues from the company’s Insulation and Dry Lining brand showcased how it is stepping up its attack on this market. A stream of visitors to the recent two-day event at NEC in Birmingham were welcomed onto the company’s stands
Ian Salisbury, Area Sales Manager, Minster Roofing and Roofline
by the senior management team headed up by Minster Group Marketing Director Nick Ratcliffe. The show attracted up to 3,000 roofing contractors and subcontractors, manufacturers, specifiers and architects. “We got exactly what we wanted out of Roofex,” said Brian Molloy, Roofing Market Manager. “Our presence sent out a clear message to the industry at large that Minster Roofing and Roofline has definitely arrived in the market.” Craig Smith, National Sales Manager for Minster Insulation and Dry Lining, was equally positive. “Our show team was professional to the core in networking with new and existing customers,” he said. “We’ll definitely win more business on the back of this.” Lee Cowling, Minster Marketing Manager, added: “With our two brands side by side at the NEC, it looked just like a proper Minster village.”
Roofing plans benefit brands The soaraway success of Jewson’s specialist roofing operation is putting a smile on many faces as well as its own. Other Saint-Gobain Building Distribution UK & Ireland sister companies have started to profit from a surge in spin-off business the venture has generated. Jewson and the recently-launched Minster Roofing and Roofline have the roofing sector pretty well covered between them, with Jewson catering for small-to-medium sized contractors and Minster looking more towards larger firms. Edward Smith, Jewson Business Development Director – Roofing, said: “We are friendly rivals. The two brands overlap and complement each other well, with opportunities to cooperate and share leads – the market is big enough for both of us and remains largely untapped.” Jewson’s roofing activities can also generate trade for Tool Hire, and Pasquill is another business benefiting from exchanged prospects. Edward said: “After all every roof
Richard Wallis, Roofing Development Manager, with Jewson customer Geoff Marchant
truss needs tiles on top, and who better than ourselves to supply them?” And for Jewson, too, roofing customers provide a good opportunity for add-on sales. Jewson’s roofing operation was launched in 2012 from the merchant’s traditional heartland in the South-East. Over the past year, top talent has been recruited, stock levels have been improved and there has been heavy investment in training in areas such as product knowledge and selling techniques. Layouts at selected branches have been refocused to accommodate roofing teams and products. By the end of 2013 the network will stretch from one end of the UK to the other. “The future looks very exciting,” said Edward. “Jewson is in the right place at the right time to capture significant market share.”
LUTON OPENS DOORS TO SUPPLIERS
Suppliers enjoyed an afternoon visit to the new Minster Roofing and Roofline branch at Luton, the largest facility of its kind in the UK. The party toured the warehouse, yard and office, and met the operations and sales teams. The visitors heard how the ties that Minster has developed with its suppliers
have been pivotal to its early success. “Their commercial support in terms of training, merchandising and general assistance has been much appreciated,” said Commercial Director Paul Maidment. “We have been able to demonstrate our commitment to them through strong relationships and putting stock on the ground and, subsequently, out the door.”
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HQ ‘up and ready’ for 2014 IDS will be up and running in its new headquarters by the end of this year, says Neil Allan, Operations Director. “We want to move in lock, stock and barrel before Christmas, with everything tried and tested and ready for the start of 2014,” he told Merchant Matters. The £3.5 million complex is taking shape at Parkhouse Interchange near Newcastleunder-Lyme. Work started in April. IDS’s Head Office features will include a factory, warehouse and distribution centre, open-plan offices, a 20-seat boardroom, a 2,500 sq ft showroom, and a training area, including a lecture theatre. About 70 people will eventually be based at the site. Other Saint-Gobain companies will be able to use the facilities for meetings and training. Neil said: “We’ve included a high percentage of Saint-Gobain products in its construction so we can use our new location to showcase those, as well as our own portfolio, to customers. “The building will also give our employees a much-improved working environment.”
What is fraud? It’s a common question and often asked by those who are committing it. At its simplest it is a falsehood intended to gain something, or cause a loss to someone else. Fraud can be by false representation, by failing to disclose information (including giving false details), or by abusing your position against the best interests of the company. It can be committed by customers or staff. Examples of customer fraud: n Customer not present card transactions where someone tries to use someone else’s card n A former employee of an account holder coming in to a branch where they are known and buying products on a former employer’s account n A caller using account details without the holder’s knowledge to arrange a delivery.
Digging in: Sara with Niki, Neil and Matt
A HOLE NEW ERA BEGINS Dodgy weather failed to delay the cutting of the first turf at the site of the new IDS headquarters. The ceremony was performed by Neil Allan, Project Leader, and Branch Managers Matthew Davies and Niki Gething. Sara Jones, Regional Director for the North West, wielded the
Examples of staff fraud: n Falsifying a PPI or Stock Count by taking it from the screen instead of counting it, knowing that it is or may be inaccurate n Buying on your staff account for a friend or relative n Overriding a price without authority to give an unauthorised discount to yourself, a friend or relative n A refund or credit when nothing has been returned. What can you do to help prevent it? For customer not present transactions, stick with the procedures, and if you are not sure, look them up in the Business Procedures Manual. With customer accounts, use common sense. If the account has a password, make sure you get it. If it is landlorded in Dundee and you are in Newquay, it is worthwhile confirming the details. If they remain the same, you can call the customer to confirm the order. Get the phone number from the system,
ceremonial spade. “It was good to see the site finally under construction and all of our plans coming to fruition,” she said. “This marks a very thrilling time, not only for the staff and business sectors that are involved but also for IDS as a whole as we move into a new era in the North West.”
not the person placing the order. Remember, if the sale feels too good to be true, it probably is. Cases of internal fraud are easy to avoid. Firstly, and in line with our principles of conduct and action, do not commit fraud. If you suspect someone else, speak to your manager or call the Confidential Hotline. The vast majority of our employees and customers conduct themselves with total integrity. However, these are a few recent examples of what’s happened to those who have committed fraud: n External fraudster using customer accounts – arrested n Branch manager falsifying stock figures – dismissed n Sales assistant processing false refunds – six months’ prison n Branch manager overriding prices for his benefit – arrested and dismissed n Assistant branch manager falsifying stock counts and stealing stock – 20 months’ prison.
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?
THE FUTURE is here now
did YOU know
Saint-Gobain spent
£416m
on research and development last year
Even the stairs are made of glass from The company’s commitment to research Glassolutions. and development is evident everywhere you The Central London location is used for look in its new showroom – and it goes way hosting client meetings and to get closer to beyond just the name above the door. the movers and shakers of the construction It’s called the Innovation Centre and the industry. walls, windows, ceilings, doors – even the Shalini said: “Although we are a massive very table that visitors sit around when they company we are not that well known. Even first arrive – come from within the company. people who work for us are often “Our aim is to demonstrate not aware of all the products we to construction industry manufacture and distribute. So we professionals how our products want people to come here – our can work together in a modern employees, potential and existing and sustainable setting,” said customers, trade organisations – Marketing Manager Shalini Patel. Who can use and be surprised and inspired by So tiles from CTD, doors from the centre? what they see. Jewson, acoustic walls from SaintThe Innovation “It’s a good way, too, for sales Gobain Ecophon, windows from Centre is open to people to show our products in a Glassolutions, grout and adhesive all Saint-Gobain real and impressive setting.” from Weber and that meeting businesses The Innovation Centre is already table in glowing green and white looking to hold proving popular. In the first acrylic from IDS are part of the product or three weeks following its official fabric of the building. service launches, opening in March, Shalini booked Other products are showcased customer or trade in more than 40 meetings. through video displays, touch receptions, or She said: “This centre screen product guides, 3D client meetings of replaces our previous building in virtual tours, an innovation wall up to 40 people. Docklands. It is a bold step for that traces the history of the Saint-Gobain but one that helps promote company’s ground-breaking products, and us as one of the most forward thinking a library containing samples of just about companies when it comes to sustainable everything that Saint-Gobain manufactures habitats.” or distributes. Where is it? Great Portland Street in Central London, a short walk from Oxford Circus tube station.
How can I get in touch? Call: 020 7323 6576 Email: innovation.centre@ saint-gobain.co.uk
The official opening of the centre by, from left, French Ambassador to the UK Bernard Emié, Saint-Gobain Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pierre-André de Chalendar, and Dr Peter Hindle MBE, Chief Executive, SGBD
3,700 It employs
researchers
It applied for more than
400 patents last year
Centre makes new fans One of the first big gatherings at the Innovation Centre involved more than 60 guests including property agents, developers, architects, project managers, quantity surveyors and building contractors. All have worked on Saint-Gobain projects in the past. Richard Baldus, Property and Development Director for Saint-Gobain, which was instrumental in the design and project management of the centre, was among those hosting the event. He told Merchant Matters: “It was the first chance to get that number of professionals together to show them what our brands can offer them in their developments. “We have been overwhelmed with the subsequent response, with email comments about how spectacular the place is. “Most didn’t understand the relationship between our brands and we have already had requests for revisits from architects and developers to take their clients to see what innovative products can be used in their projects.”
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Charity mission complete! Graham Glasgow sourced 150 products free of charge to help upgrade a medical centre in Malawi. The branch team was approached by customer City Building, which is sending a team of its professionals to carry out the project, to source some of the materials it needs. The task fell to Sales Clerk Brian McCauley and after three months of tough negotiations he surpassed the customer’s expectations by sourcing every item. Brian said: “I had a real buzz for this project as I knew the difference it was going to make to so many people. There were 150 items on the list, but City said it didn’t expect us to get everything. “I approached eight suppliers and must have made up to 10 phone calls to each of them and countless emails. But after three months I had every item.” Brian sourced plumbing, plastics and sanitaryware worth £8,000. The products will be used for a new kitchen and toilet, a dental suite, pharmacy and laboratory at the centre in the capital Lilongwe. Jim Gray, General Manager, said: “I feel proud of this achievement and seeing the container full of our products was great. “When you are approached by someone with a collection can on the street you never know how your donation will be used, but we know the difference this will make.”
Crumbs! Biscuit ban is great Employees at Ideal Bathrooms in Milton Keynes have been eating less to raise more for good causes. Wobble for Willen Hospice has collected nearly £500 for the charity by cutting down on cakes and doing more exercise. Sarah Ingham, Credit Controller, set up the group, which collects £1.50 in weekly members’ subscriptions. She said: “Every week I weigh people to see if they’ve lost weight and as well as collecting money we offer rewards for those that have lost the most. “We thought it would be a great way to work together to eat more healthily, so none of us are tempted to bring
Pounds for pounds: from left, Louise Ingham, Jo Wiggins, Lyndsey Bailey, Hayley Scriven, Sarah Ingham, Janice Abbott, Kim Kirby-Earnshaw, Michelle Perkins, Sharon Evans, Zoe Wood and Kirsten Lawson
biscuits and cakes into the office.” The group of 15 has lost more than 13 stone since they started a year ago. Financial Controller Stephen Gillespie is taking a more highoctane approach to fundraising. He’s taking part in the Tough
CLIMBING WEEKEND Colleagues from International Timber are to tackle three of Yorkshire’s highest peaks for charity. So far, 15 have signed up to the 29 June weekend challenge for Barnardo’s ‘Set Children Free’ campaign. To sponsor the team visit: www.justgiving.com/ International-Timber-SGBD
Top stuff: Richard Taylor, Danielle Lillis and Mark Smedley at the summit of Ben Nevis
Mudder challenge, a 12-mile extreme assault course going through mud, fire and barbed wire. It’s all in aid of the Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northamptonshire, which has supported his wife’s family during the past year.
An intrepid team from Ideal Bathrooms and International Decorative Surfaces is once again aiming for the heady heights on its annual charity challenge. Sales managers, office personnel and directors are getting ready to climb England’s highest peak – the 3,209ft Scafell Pike. The hike, planned for September, will complete the team’s challenge to conquer three of the UK’s highest peaks following Ben Nevis last year and Snowdon the year before that. Together with other fundraising events such as an annual golf day and plant and cake sales, the challenge has raised £60,000 for the children’s charity Barnardo’s.
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Stroll across the ocean to Kenya From the Sussex seafront to the Indian Ocean is hardly a stroll in the park. But pupils of Bishop Luffa School in Chichester teamed up to complete the longdistance ‘walk’ and raise more than £1,900 for charity. The pupils were challenged to collectively cover 7,588 miles, equivalent to the distance from their own cathedral city to Kenya’s second city. Pupils had just two weeks to complete 150,000 steps each and their local Graham branch donated pedometers so they could keep tabs on how far they covered.
Sit-ups boost for Barnardo’s Sacre bleu! A business trip to France has provided an unexpected windfall for partner charity Barnardo’s. Rather than simply relax one evening and take things easy, the group chose instead to put their backs into raising some money. Representatives from eight customers and three
The money raised will be donated to the Victory Freretown Junior & Primary School in Mombasa. Derek Charge, Graham National Showroom Manager, said: “When we heard about the pupils’ efforts and understood the nature of their challenge, we wanted to get involved. Providing pedometers was a great way to support the cause and help both the pupils in Chichester as well as those in Mombasa.” For further information on the charity visit www.mombasachildren.org.uk
manufacturers – plus Steve Heney, Southern Regional Sales Manager from host company Graham – took part in a sit-ups competition. Winner was Jack Robinson from Select Heating, High Wycombe. “It proved a very successful idea,” Steve told Merchant Matters.
“Our customers enjoyed it, it helped to build stronger relations with the manufacturers present, and between us we managed to raise more than £200 for a good cause.” Renewable energy products provided the focal point for the four-day visit to Chamonix.
bike to belgium Big-hearted biker Ian Croucher is off to see the sights of Brussels … the hard way. Forget about Eurostar, limos or luxury coaches. He will be relying on pedal power to propel him across the continent and onwards to the Belgian capital. Ian, 32, a Warehouse Operative with Minster in Birmingham, is saddling up to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. He hopes to make £1,300 by cycling the 230 miles from London in just two days. Cheered on by family and friends, Ian and a dozen other riders will set off from Blackheath on 5 September. His route will take him through northern France and Flanders. He will then pass through Bruges and Ghent, arriving in time for some wellearned refreshment at the Belgian Beer Weekend, followed by a little sight-seeing. Said Ian: “I decided to take part in this challenge as two of my elderly relatives were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s many years ago. So this is a good way for me to do something I enjoy while raising awareness for a worthy cause.”
To sponsor Ian, text IANC50 £5 to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/Ian-croucher For more details call Ian on 07545 522816
How we backed a winner
Dr Peter Hindle MBE with Stephen Noble and Trina Gable, both from Barnardo’s
The bookies weren’t the only ones to come away from this year’s Cheltenham Festival with big smiles. Around 300 guests at Jewson’s marquee also went home happy after a memorable outing. For the sixth year running, the company hosted hospitality for customers and staff on day three of this showpiece occasion in the National
Hunt calendar. And, by tradition, they sponsored the first race on the card as well, the Jewson Novices Chase over twoand-a-half miles. Barnardo’s, Jewson’s charity partner, hit a winning streak too. With support from sporting legends Jonjo O’Neill and former Arsenal favourites Tony Adams and Ray Parlour, fundraising brought in a total of £2,240.
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Post: Competitions, Merchant Matters, Pressgang, 85 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 4TQ Email: MM@pressgang.eu
your world
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK Thank you to ALL who completed the RECENT SGBD communication survey. we received 3,000 responses and the results ARE NOW BEING reviewed. we will share these with you shortly, along with the actions we plan to take. The following colleagues each received £100 amazon vouchers after their names were picked out of a hat: graham Bustin (graham), mike Taylor (jewson), diane millward (neville lumb)
competition I play for Man Utd (of bowls) Matt Marsden proudly donned his England shirt and reigned victorious at this year’s British Isles International Bowls Series. The Gibbs & Dandy Spalding Branch Manager was in the team that beat Scotland in a hotly contested tournament in Stanley, County Durham, by just one point. Matt, who has been playing the sport since the age of 11, described the moment in front of an audience of 4,000 people as ‘superb’. He said: “Representing your country is a heart stopping moment – it was superb to stand on the podium and hear our national anthem. “People think bowls is an old people’s sport, but competitively it’s actually quite a young person’s game. I was bitten by the bowling bug from a young age.” Matt captains his local team Ely where he met his girlfriend Sarah who is a world number two in the sport. He said: “I play for Ely which is the equivalent of Man United in the bowling world! “My manager Paul Bradford, Operational Sales Director, is really supportive and called me on the day of the Scotland match to find out how things had gone, which was nice.”
Win A fuji
digital Camera
Get clicking with our prize – a Fujifilm FinePix S2980 digital camera. Features include: n 14 Mega Pixels n 18x optical zoom n HD movie mode n Three inch LCD screen n High resolution electronic view finder n Quick response auto focus.
To be in with a chance of winning the camera just answer the following question correctly: HOW MUCH WAS RAISED BY TEAMS DURING THIS YEAR’S STORE WARS? See the top of the page to find out how to send in your entry – remember to include your name and contact details. The winner will be the first correct answer drawn from the editor’s hat on 31 July 2013.
NAME: Jon Cornforth BUSINESS: International TimbeR JOB: EHS Manager LENGTH OF SERVICE: nine and a half years What’s the best part of your job? Seeing through projects from an initial idea to completion is a real buzz. What would you change about it if you could? I would like to pull all the seven sites I cover a little closer together. If you were chief exec for a day what’s the first thing you would do (apart from increasing salaries or holidays)? I would set up inter brand sports leagues to promote working more closely at all levels. Jon taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in 2012
What’s the biggest challenge in your role? To try to make employees have safety in their minds at all times.
What do you do to relax? I like to watch Rotherham United FC and spend time with my friends and family. Who do you most admire? That’s a toughie, but it would have to be Lord Alan Sugar for his pure determination to succeed and help others. What or who makes you laugh? Jeremy Clarkson makes me laugh a lot. Tell us something about yourself that none of your workmates know. I had 60 amateur boxing matches when I was younger, winning 48.
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