Business

Andrew Diprose is the founder and editor of dorsetbiznews.co.uk

An independent cookware business has beaten off competition from seven other finalists – including Harrods and John Lewis – to scoop a national award. Salamander Cookshop in Wimborne won the Excellence in Retail Training category at the annual Excellence in Housewares Awards, held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel. Delighted owners David and Ione Crossley, who took over the shop in 2019, attributed the success to their commitment to training. David said: “We came to the retail sector from education and ran our own training consultancy helping to develop school leaders and teachers to raise achievement. “Quite simply as lifelong learners, great training is part of our DNA. “With this background, a focus on learning about the cookware industry and its products was a natural for us and it still is.” Described as an ‘emporium’, Salamander, in Wimborne’s High Street, stocks more than 5,000 different cookware products. Ione said: “We believe we best

Great training is recipe for success

EXCELLENT: David and Ione Crossley of Salamander receive their award from host and comedienne Sara Barron and Simon Oliver of category sponsor Tower

serve our customers by offering genuine product knowledge and expertise as well as great customer service. “We’ve developed an induction manual and take every member of staff through the shop in sections so they can really get under the skin of what we sell, how it works, where it comes from, its benefits and features.” Staff also undergo online training with suppliers and leading cookware specialists as well as attending workshops and visits to places such as the Le Crueset demonstration kitchen in Andover. If one top award wasn’t enough, Salamander was also a finalist in the Retail Initiative Category for its innovative approach in bringing cookware to life. It also won the category for Best Use of Innovation, sponsored by Wimborne BID, at this year’s inaugural Wimborne Business Awards and a Good Retailing Award in 2021 for its website.

County funeral group adds new staff

Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors has welcomed new staff while others have been promoted within the business. The group has seven branches across east Dorset and runs the multi award-winning Dorset Funeral Plan. The team at its Lesley Shand branches in Corfe Mullen and Blandford has been bolstered by the arrivals of Tim Randle, Peter Short and Melissa Harper. Tim is a funeral director and also a trained celebrant who conducts services. Peter has moved from within the group to become a funeral director and Melissa has returned to the business after time out to have a family. Also recently recruited is Josh Caldicott who is working at the AE Jolliffe & Son branch in Ferndown. Nick Douch, managing director, said: “We have recruited some excellent staff and others within the group continue to develop their careers. “Peter, for example, has previously worked in customer service and has been fully trained while working for us and has qualified as a funeral director. “Melissa has returned after having a family and understands how the public-facing side of the company is so important, and we are pleased to have promoted her to office manager. “In Tim we also have a celebrant, and we are seeing more families asking for this service, so we can now provide it from

NEW: From left,Tim Rendle, Melissa Harper, Nick Douch, MD, Jonathan Stretch, director, Peter Short, Josh Caldicott

one of our own staff, making funerals easier and more cost-effective. “Josh has eight years’ experience in the industry and we will train him further and plan to put him through his qualifications.”

Business

Tree specialist set to scale new heights

by Andrew Diprose

A business which supplies climbing, pruning and protective equipment for the arboriculture sector is set to scale new heights after being acquired by an American company. Tree Kit Limited, based at Three Legged Cross, has been bought by Vertical Supply Group (VSG) for an undisclosed sum. Together with Guildford-based Honey Brothers – also acquired by VSG – it will be part of a newly established VSG-UK operation. In a statement, VSG said it was proud to acquire the two respected arborist retail and product development businesses. Tripp Wyckoff, CEO, added: “When identifying partnership prospects in the UK, two companies quickly rose to the top. “I am beyond excited to welcome Tree Kit and Honey Brothers to the VSG team as our first two acquisitions outside of North America.” Tree Kit, which employs eight people and has a £1millionplus turnover, was founded by brothers Mike and Max Storey in 2012. Both brought up and educated in Dorset, Mike, 49, had a passion for all things trees and more than 20 years of industry experience as an arborist and product designer. Max, 43, was from a business background, working in hospitality, retail and property. Tree Kit Limited was incorporated in 2013. The company now sells more than 3,000 products for the arboriculture sector covering rigging, climbing, leisure, pruning and safety and clothing. But Max, Managing Director, said it was Tree Kit’s development of two new innovative products which acted as the catalyst for VSG’s interest in the company. Both were unveiled at a trade show in Germany earlier this year. He said: “They saw them and recognised our potential. “We’re excited at the possibilities that lie ahead in the future.” All current employees are being retained at both Tree Kit and Honey Brothers which was founded in 1955. It has since become one of the most prominent arborist equipment specialists in the tree care industry and ships worldwide. Mike and Max stay in their roles together with Martyn Day, managing director of Honey Brothers. Tree Kit moved to its new 5,000sq ft showroom, warehouse and distribution HQ in Three Legged Cross last year. Uniquely, its ground floor features an eight metre (26 ft) oak tree which was donated by a local landowner and is used for demonstrations and training.

HEAD & WHEBLE

FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS CLIMBING HIGH: Max and Mike Storey, co-founders of Tree Kit Limited, which has been acquired by US-based Vertical Supply Group ESTABLISHED 1926

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HEAD & WHEBLE FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS HEAD & WHEBLE FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS ESTABLISHED 1926 HEAD & WHEBLE FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS ESTABLISHED 1926 HEAD & WHEBLE FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS ESTABLISHED 1926 HEAD & WHEBLE FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS ESTABLISHED 1926 HEAD & WHEBLE FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS ESTABLISHED 1926 ESTABLISHED 1926

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