Against current market trends and the wider economic outlook, independent merchant Alsford Timber has begun a three year plan for aggressive growth, starting with the opening of its new flagship branch at Leatherhead in Surrey.
The new branch, opened on 1 February, is a purpose built site featuring a 16,000sqft warehouse and sales counter area constructed to the highest build standards, offering maximum energy efficiencies.
Justin Hood, operations director for South West London commented: “We took over a derelict site on Kingston Road in Leatherhead, Surrey and following a successful six month build programme, now have a state of the art builders' merchant for Leatherhead.”
Offering a full range of Timber and Building materials, Alsford Timber’s proposition sets it apart from the two main competitors in the area.
Neil Fuller, managing director explained: “The Alsford Timber proposition in unique. Within our core timber range we offer the highest quality products such as our Premier grade mouldings and imported carcassing. From a service perspective our offering is best in class from the way we deal with our customers to the level of expertise we offer them. We are able to compete head to head with larger National merchants on price so the combination of value for money and optimum service leaves us confident we can grow our business quickly”.
“We chose the site as it was a perfect fit geographically whilst strategically it epitomises the type of business model we are now developing to support our existing eighteen strong branch network across the South East. These larger sites retain our focus on traditional timber quality but also include a comprehensive building materials range to allow our customers a one stop shop."
The product offering includes the most extensive, high quality range of prepared timber and mouldings in the area along with long length structural timbers with the majority offered in C24 grading. A full range of sheet and panel products is complimented by an enhanced range of landscaping and fencing products to support everyone from DIY to Fencing Contractors. The shop area at over 2,000 square feet offers a range of Hardware, Decorating and Fixings to help complete any size project.
Finbarr Doyle, commercial director said: “We wanted to ensure that the Leatherhead site could offer a full range of building and timber products at credible prices, without compromising our reputation for quality and great service. In the current economic environment that is an ever more challenging proposition but we have definitely delivered on this, thanks to the hard work by fantastic staff and the commitment demonstrated by many of our suppliers.”
On opening week in early February, Alsford Timber will be giving away mini ipads, champagne and free products, and will also be offering exclusive discounts and price commitments to customers who sign up for a cash, credit or self-build account.
