the Fixings and Powertool Center Although the


vast bulk of sales are made to trade customers, there are still a significant number of relatively well- off (this is Surrey!) DIYers who appreciate the expert advice on tools etc that the Center can offer – hence the Saturday opening hours. Ralph tells me that a quality brand of outdoor tools like Stihl has been significant because there are a number of land owners and mini- country estates in the Surrey and Sussex countryside that need better quality tools to manage them. Since the Center offers a next day delivery and click and collect service in partnership with Stihl, it is a win- win situation. When it comes to


local competition Ralph is clear that there are some overlaps with local companies like a timber yard, and a couple of national trade merchants nearby, but he thinks that rather than detracting from their core business it


actually provides a ‘critical mass’ of businesses that attract trades who can then do their project shopping ‘all in one go’. In fact they often mention each other on their respective ‘where to find us’ maps on their websites. One of the Center’s major assets is a large car park both in front of and beside


the retail premises. So, although the busy A23 brings a lot of traffic (and potential customers) past the front door, having a car park that is so large that you can always find parking is very convenient for customers – they have no excuse not to stop. Ralph reckons that it is also


significant that the Center has a fully functioning workshop that will not only repair most makes of machines, but will


When pressed for a bit more detail on the changes forced by the 5 to 2


director reductions Ralph says he would like to invest and embrace the internet – but in a way that will enhance and enlarge the company rather than simply turn it into yet another internet tool retailer where price is the only deciding factor. He would like to use any future website as a showcase for the company and also take advantage of the hard-won skills, knowledge and experience of the staff. In this way the retail premises would not only be a valuable selling space, but also act as an even better showroom for a variety of premium tool brands. The possibility of building a hire business has also been discussed since the


premises are big enough to accommodate the extra facilities needed, as well as having the necessary workshop to ensure that hire fleet tools and equipment are checked and maintained correctly. From a self-confessed ‘toolies’ point of view, I rather hope that the Fixings and


Powertool Center will be around for a long time. It is one of my local ‘go to’ tool shops. I rarely pass through its doors without buying something. Seeing all those premium brands of tools so comprehensively displayed makes me aware of some of the gaps in my tool collection. I already have a couple of tools I need to ask Ralph about next time I am passing.


also deal with claims and repairs under warranty from most of the major manufacturers. This workshop is probably the only one within a radius of 25 miles, so it is a big draw and can bring customers in from as far as London and the south coast. Brexit and its consequences is


something that Ralph is very phlegmatic about. Like most other businesses the Center has a ‘wait and see’ approach in the immediate future until the waters are clearer. In the meantime, Ralph has been wrestling with the inevitable price rises caused by the fall in the Pound and inflation. But, so has everyone else – at least it is a level playing field.


telephone 01444 440188 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE 19


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