Elliotts can trace its history back some 173 years, yet constant innovation and development are the hallmarks of the family-owned business. PBM reports on the most recent initiatives from the Hampshire-based independent merchant.
Following the acquisition in October last year of Hardleys, the Lymington-based kitchen and bathroom showroom, Elliotts has once again expanded its offering with the purchase of 247 Power Ltd in Southampton. The move will allow it to dramatically widen its services and help boost the number of sustainable buildings in the county.
Indeed, Elliotts reports that it has long been a champion of renewable technology and sustainable products. It has its own sustainables centre in Southampton where the trade and public can see demonstrations of products and even get training on the various systems. However, it has never previously been able to offer installation of these products as a service.
Now, following the takeover of 247 Power, the merchant is able to establish its own, in-house installation division. All members of staff at 247 Power have been retained and will now work under the Elliotts brand to fit sustainable solutions such as underfloor heating and ventilation systems at domestic properties and commercial buildings across Hampshire.
MD Tom Elliott said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Elliotts and marks the first time in our 173-year history that we have been able to offer such a service. It will benefit environmentally-conscious home owners, who are increasingly looking to incorporate sustainable solutions into their houses but are unsure of how to get started or fit them. We will be able to provide qualified and highly-trained installers, backed by the reassurance of the Elliotts brand.”
Significantly, the move will also benefit Elliotts’ trade customers, most of whom look to specialist contractors to fit sustainable systems due to the unique nature of the work and accreditations needed.
Founded in 1842, Elliotts is one of the oldest family businesses in the South. It’s spread of builders’ merchant locations mean that a branch is never more than 20 minutes away from any building site in Hampshire. In addition, it has four kitchen and bathroom showrooms, two specialist tool centres and its own roofing company, Elliotts Premier Roofing.
The business has also joined forces with Wessex Rotary Club with the introduction of a loyalty card scheme that could help raise hundreds for worthy causes in Hampshire and Wessex. Rotary Club members will receive discounts and preferential rates and, at the end of the year, Elliotts will tot up the amount spent and a percentage of the total will be given back to the club to distribute to local charities.
OTHER NEWS:
Selco Builders Warehouse has opened its 36th branch, creating more than 50 jobs in the process, at a new site in Redhill, Surrey. The opening follows the Isleworth branch in September and further strengthens its network in London and the south east, where it now has 22 branches. The new site will offer an extensive range of building materials, kitchen and bathroom showrooms and the Selco Hire service.
Three children from the nearby Salfords Primary School — Katie Newton, Olivia Newton and Abbie Jo-Goacher — took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony after winning a special competition to design a house of the future. Selco has also donated £500 worth of building materials to the school to enhance its outdoor area.
LBS Builders Merchants has secured the title of ‘Retailer of the Year’ at the prestigious ‘West Wales 2015 Business Awards’. Organised by the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star newspapers, more than 125 local firms were nominated in eight categories.
With growing confidence and building activity returning to the region, MD Mark Davies said: “2014 saw us open six Total Plumbing outlets, create 36 jobs and expand our fleet of vehicles by five, taking us to 49 on the road. We had a record year and we are looking to do more of the same in 2015 — investing in the business and growing.”
