Builders and tradespeople from across Cornwall construction community recently came together to mark the launch of Jewson’s reinvented St Austell branch, following a major refurbishment.
In what has been described as a “vibrant festival-themed event celebrating Cornwall’s building trades,” nearly 700 attendees gathered to get a first look at everything on offer in the newly updated branch, based at the town’s Holmbush Industrial Estate.
The refurbished branch now stocks 10,000 products and materials “so builders and tradespeople can find everything they need for their projects in one place.” There’s also an extended tool hire range, a new kitchen and bathroom centre, paint mixing, and a huge choice of workwear and footwear.
Drive-in loading bays offer access to undercover timber, protecting the materials from the elements, while the dedicated roofing range will benefit from an in-branch roofing specialist to support customers. Customers will also be able to use the branch to access Project Estimator, an estimating service from Jewson to help builders and tradespeople save time in the planning stages of their projects, win more work and save money on materials. There’ll also be free hot drinks, and food for sale.
As part of the event, which took place on 6th February, football legends Peter Reid, Jimmy Bullard and the St Austell-born Nigel Martyn played games with guests and took part in a Q&A hosted by Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling. There were musical performances from local artists, as well as food trucks, supplier demos, on-the-day deals, and even a special appearance from the famous Dulux dog, representing the British paint brand.
Students from Cornwall Construction College demonstrated the range of specialist skills they’ve learnt during their studies, and Jewson revealed its very own Cornish tartan, made bespoke to pay tribute to a key part of the region’s history and identity.
Steve Wickett, Jewson St Austell’s Branch Manager, said: “The opening of our new St Austell branch marks a significant milestone – not only for the local community, but for our business and the wider construction industry. At Jewson, we’re proud to partner the trades, so it was brilliant to see so many people come together for this unique celebration, to experience the branch firsthand and celebrate the skill, pride and passion in the sector, across the South West region.
“We set out to create a destination that genuinely raises expectations of what a modern builders’ merchant can offer, and the feedback so far has been incredibly positive. We’ve started a new journey here in St Austell, and we’re excited to continue building strong, lasting relationships with the community for many years to come.”
John Carter, CEO of parent group STARK Building Materials UK, commented: “The relaunch of our Jewson St Austell branch represents a step-change in merchanting in the region, offering a new level of support to the builders and tradespeople who are building, renovating and maintaining properties across Cornwall.
“Our investment in this branch means we can provide a great product range, great stock availability, great service from our team of experts, and great value for money. It’s the latest development in our ongoing refurbishment programme that proves Jewson is proud to partner the trades.”
