Jewson Launches First Branch Of The Future Concept At Bridgwater

Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its newly refurbished branch at Bridgwater, introducing its very first ‘Branch of the Future’ concept.

Proud to partner the trades, the new Jewson branch presents a significant milestone on its transformation journey to bring the UK’s hard-working professional tradespeople what they need to grow their own businesses and to become the leading builders’ merchant in the UK. 

Image : John Carter, CEO of STARK UK, and John Pool, Chairman of the WFL

As part of its parent company STARK Building Materials UK’s ‘Trust in Better’ strategy, Jewson is implementing a comprehensive investment programme to optimise its branch network across the nation, including major refurbishments, like Bridgwater, and new purpose-built distribution facilities. 

The Bridgwater branch in Somerset is the first to be totally transformed, and in the new Jewson brand identity, which was recently unveiled to nearly 3,000 people at Jewson Live On Tour, the company’s industry engagement event that is currently being brought to customers at regional venues across the UK, until mid-June. 

Jewson actively asked customers for their feedback and the changes now being made are a direct response, to ensure the company is providing the products and services professional tradespeople require. Jewson’s new brand symbolises the improvements the company has been making to its value proposition for customers, including range, availability, price and distribution enhancements. As well as the extensive and expanding range of products, Jewson is also committed to providing a high quality, consistent service – and introducing the rebrand and now its first Branch of the Future concept at Bridgwater is part of that movement.

At Jewson Bridgwater, Jewson has made it easier and quicker for the small and medium builders, carpenters, roofers, landscapers and more to find the range and availability they need for a whole job, with the product assortment positioned close together for efficiency. SKUs have been increased from 3,000 to 4,500, providing customers with everything they need under one roof.

Opening hours have been extended, with the branch open from 6:30am to 5:30pm. Extra delivery vehicles have been added to the fleet to meet customers’ delivery requirements. The branch has covered drive-through loading bays and service areas so customers and their materials – including treated timber – aren’t exposed to the British weather. There is high quality food and drink available, along with technology charging bays and modern meeting areas for project discussions and for customers to use with their own customers – so it feels like the branch is their own. 

Customers, colleagues and local dignitaries were invited to take a first look at the newly refurbished branch when it officially opened on 28^th May 2024, with Jewson offering on-the-day giveaways, supplier trade deals, new account offers and free food and drink.

Jewson is proud to partner the trades and that also means it is committed to being a positive and active part of the communities it services. The company was delighted to announce at the opening of Jewson Bridgwater it will now be the main sponsor of the Western Football League. Formed in 1892, the league has 42 member clubs covering Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, parts of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The Western Football League’s chairman, John Pool, officially opened the Jewson Bridgwater branch with a ribbon cutting, with several players from Bridgwater United FC attending the event. The Jewson Western Football League sponsorship starts as member clubs get ready for the new season.

Image : Andy Jordan, Regional Managing Director for Jewson South West

Andy Jordan, Regional Managing Director for Jewson South West, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome so many members of the Bridgwater community to our new branch, taking a first look at everything we’re doing to look after our customers. 

“Everything in our branch is designed around them to help them work efficiently, meet their own customers’ needs and to grow their own businesses. Our doors are firmly open for business, and we look forward to being an integral part of the day-to-day lives of professional tradespeople and builders from Bridgwater and the surrounding areas.”

John Carter, CEO of STARK UK, part of STARK Group – Europe’s leading distributor of building materials, said: “Bridgwater is the very first step on the exciting journey we’re taking here at Jewson to become the most trusted builders’ merchant for UK tradespeople. 

“With our new Branch of the Future concept, we have a brilliant opportunity to create something that we believe is truly unique and valuable, with the backing of the STARK Group, Europe’s strongest and biggest chain of merchants. We’re not copying anyone else in the market; instead, we’re carving out a new Jewson, and there is a wealth of features being implemented solely with the customer in mind. 

“We’re dedicated to delivering great service, which is about the customer being acknowledged the minute they walk through the door; our teams being inherently inquisitive about what they’re working on, what’s going well, any challenges they’re facing and how we can help them. We’re relationship focused rather than transactional, and we’re there for the long-term value that we can offer to tradespeople and businesses – including how we can help them deliver an exceptional service to their own customers.

“We’ve made a commitment to listen and learn from customers when they start using our Bridgwater branch, because we want to be the very best there is out there. We want customers to be excited when they arrive and be excited about coming back again. I have every confidence that will be the case at the brilliant new Bridgwater branch, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in getting it to where it is today.”

Jewson plays a significant part of STARK UK, a portfolio of building merchant businesses, which are part of STARK Group, Europe’s leading builders’ merchant and distribution platform. Earlier this year, STARK Group celebrated its first 12 months of operating in the UK. 

Jewson is proud to partner the trades, building on its 180+ years of industry experience, offering the UK’s professional tradespeople the products and services they need to work smarter and grow their business faster, powered by a robust sourcing network and distribution platform.

Source : Jewson

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