The Sussex and Kent builders’ merchant has launched a novel in-branch initiative to celebrate 40 years in business and raise funds for charity.
Established in 1984, Parker Building Supplies has unveiled a bespoke radio channel for customers and staff as part of its 40-year anniversary celebrations. Parkers’ in-branch radio aims to highlight key initiatives such as its ongoing charitable endeavours as well as covering local customer stories plus events and news of interest to customers.
The celebrations kicked off on Thursday 5, September with a customer and supplier event at the Moy Avenue branch in Eastbourne offering food, music from the Fix Street team, special offers and lots of freebies, plus donations to Teenage Cancer Trust encouraged.
Branch Manager, Matt Jenner (pictured cutting the ribbon) said: “Parker Building Supplies has been established since 1984, and now four decades on we know our customers really well. Our new in-branch radio channel helps celebrate this milestone while providing a novel way of entertaining and communicating news with all our staff, customers and suppliers.
“We were delighted to welcome customers to our celebrations and raise even more funds for Teenage Cancer Trust too.”
Founded by Tom Parker in 1984, the business has been owned by the Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) since 2018 and is one of the largest independent builders’ merchant firms in the South East with more than 450 colleagues working across 20+ locations.
Enter the dragon!
A combined team from local builders’ merchants Fairalls, Chandlers and Parker Building Supplies has taken on a charity dragon boat race for second year.
With the final total to be confirmed, the team had already raised in excess of £1,500 for Teenage Cancer Trust ahead of the event (which took place on Saturday 31, August at Bewl Water in Kent), beating their initial target. Anyone can donate via:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/parkers-chandlers-fairalls-dragon-boat-2024
Speaking in advance of the event – which saw the merchant competing against more than 50 other boats in various heats over the 250 metre distance – Fairalls’ Mike Grange said: “We really enjoyed doing the dragon boat race last year, so getting a team together for another race outing was easy. Our primary goal is to raise vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust and with our 14-strong team ready to go I am sure we will have lots of fun again this year too.”
Lynn Hyder, Teenage Cancer Trust, expressed gratitude on behalf of the charity: “Fairalls, Chandlers and Parker Building Supplies have been very enthusiastic supporters of Teenage Cancer Trust for many years. It’s thanks to initiatives like this that we can continue our crucial work in supporting young people facing cancer.”
The dragon boat race marks the latest effort in the ongoing philanthropic endeavours of Chandlers, Parkers, and Fairalls. Previous initiatives, ranging from marathons to gala nights, have collectively raised over £300,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Every day, seven people aged 13-24 are diagnosed with cancer. The Teenage Cancer Trust is the UK’s only charity dedicated to providing world-class cancer services and support, ensuring no young person faces cancer alone.
