Company News Rise Of The


Technical Tradesman Recent research by leading supplier, Screwfix, has revealed that technology is fast becoming one of a tradesman’s most valuable business tools, along with the traditional power tools, screws and safety boots. With four out of five UK tradesmen having now purchased trade goods online, it seems tradesmen are taking full advantage of all that multi-channel ordering has to offer. The research revealed that convenience is now the number


one consideration for tradesmen when it comes to getting their hands on the tools they need for the job, with recipients ranking convenience above both price and product when asked to put the factors in order of importance. ‘Pressure to maximise working time’; ‘less scope to plan


ahead’ and ‘higher consumer expectations’ were all quoted by tradesmen as reasons why convenient purchasing is now key to the running of their business. John Mewett, marketing director at Screwfix, explains: “We


know from our customers that in today’s economic climate, time is of the essence, as the more time they spend out working and quoting, the quicker they can grow their business. “As a result, our customers are telling us that flexibility of purchasing is becoming increasingly important to them when it


comes to making sure that they have the right tools for the job, and as such technology is increasingly important. “For example, whilst many of our customers at Screwfix purchase products in-branch, our study has shown that more and more of our customers are researching


tools and shopping across a combination of channels, whether it be over the phone, online or in branch. In fact, 950,000 a week customers regularly visit our website, and 80 per cent of our tradesmen have purchased online at some point. “The success of our new reserve and collect service, which enables customers to purchase online, and collect their products in any one of 186 branches just 15 minutes later, also echoes this change in purchasing approach. Over 125,000 customers a week are taking advantage of its stock check function.


Reply No. 26


Lisa Law Appointed Franchise Manager


For Snap-on Tools Snap-on Tools, brand leader in tools, tool storage and diagnostic equipment for the automotive market, has announced the appointment of Lisa Law as its new UK Franchise Manager. Lisa is pictured being congratulated on her new appointment


by Aldo Rodi, Snap-on Tools’ UK Managing Director. In her new role Lisa will be responsible for growing and


improving the quality of the Snap-on network of franchisees in the UK. She will also be responsible for regulatory and compliance issues with regard to the existing successful Snap-on Tools business format, which has seen them as previous winners of the BFA Franchisor of the Year Award sponsored by The Daily Express and HSBC Bank. Lisa, who has an Honours Degree in Marketing from the


University of Northampton, previously worked for the Arcadia Group, one of the UK’s leading high street fashion retailers, before successfully setting up the Marketing Department for the leading visitor attraction Wicksteed Park. She joined Snap-on Tools in 2005 and was previously UK Promotions Manager where she held a pivotal role in developing the Snap-on Tools UK sales and marketing plan over the last three years. “We are delighted to appoint someone as experienced and


knowledgeable as Lisa in this vitally important role for our business,” says Aldo Rodi. “Her strong relationship with the Snap-on Tools Field and Branch Manager teams - together with her enthusiasm - are just what we require to ensure that our franchise network continues to expand and also receives the best support available to enhance the level of service we provide to our customers. All at Snap-on wish Lisa every success.”


Reply No. 16


GYS Team Expands Again GYS is expanding into Scotland and Northern Ireland The GYS team continues to expand, we are pleased to announce that Stuart Leach has joined the team as Area Sales Manager for Scotland


and Northern Ireland. Stuart will be known by many in the industry from his time with Britool, Beta Tools, and AST. Stuart brings with him a great deal of experience working with distributors in the region will be launching GYS into Scotland and Northern Ireland from January 2012.


Reply No. 32 22 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE www.toolbusiness.co.uk


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