CASE STUDY


BSEE


Strong foundations with clear direction leads to sustainable growth for Smith Brothers


With history dang back to 1897, Smith Brothers is one of the largest and oldest independent merchants operang in the UK directly focusing on supplying to the commercial and industrial mechanical services sector. Aer nearly 125 years of trading, the business remains to be family owned, with the 5th generaon present within a 350+ strong workforce.


he business operates in England, Wales and now Scotland with the addition of SBS Glasgow in September 2020. This along with the introduction of a team to support Northern Ireland based customers working within the UK, means Smith Brothers now supports the HVAC industry across the whole of the United Kingdom through a fourteen-branch network excluding a head office based in Blaby, Leicester.


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The core business specialises in the distribution of pipework, valves, air conditioning and all associated fittings and ancillaries. Our key ambition is to offer additional value through service excellence. Our experience allows us to draw from excellent relationships with carefully selected, quality assured suppliers, whilst also maintaining excellent stock levels at each branch, helping to ensure that supplier lead times are kept to a minimum.


In an industry where


standing still very often leads to moving backwards, it is imperative to remain pro- active, especially during these unprecedented times. It is this pro-active approach that ensured the speedy implementation of effective social distancing measures across the business as well as offering contactless deliveries to any site, ensuring both staff and customers are kept safe at all times. By taking swift action, Smith Brothers was able to remain operational


This combined with our extensive inter-branch delivery network enables us to provide unparalleled levels of service with competitive pricing.


Today sees Smith Brothers stockholding in excess of £20 million with the heavy investment primarily aimed at reducing delivery lead times and plateau significant price increases for our customers. Excellent branch stock levels are encouraged so reliance is not placed on drawing stock from the rest of the group, meaning our suppliers work with every Smith Brothers branch. The business significantly increased its stockholding at the start of 2020 due to the uncertainly gathering around Brexit and the then emerging Covid-19 pandemic. These increased stock levels are still being maintained today.


during the first lockdown in March 2020, providing a service to contractors working on essential projects such as the Wigan and Exeter Nightingale hospitals. Smith Brothers’ efforts were widely recognised as The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) featured SBS in their Public-Private Partnerships report as commissioned by the government. The report explored how businesses have adapted and the overall lessons learned throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. We feel it is essential the business has the knowledge and capability to support consumers on our products to help facilitate projects prior to, and post installation. That is why our customers have access to technical product managers who can offer specialist support, such as onsite or office-based training on a select range of products. In addition, all sales managers can facilitate customer training (both on and off site), take-offs and meet specific project requirements such as timed delivery slots.


Smith Brothers believe their staff are paramount to the business’s continued growth and success which is why we strive to provide a positive working environment for all employees. Staff contribution and achievements are often celebrated with internal awards, and additional training and career progression opportunities are regularly available. General staff wellbeing is a top priority which is why in 2020, four SBS staff members underwent external training to become the company’s first Mental Health First Aiders. Our transport department strives to further improve our delivery service and ensure goods are transported safely whilst the business remains ecologically focused. Every driver undertakes a rigorous induction routine and partakes in regular training which includes health and safety, along with regular CPC courses. It isn’t just SBS who believe our process is comprehensive, the fleet recognition scheme FORS agree, awarding Smith Brothers Bronze membership in 2013 before


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upgrading the award to Silver in 2017. Our transport department are now laying the foundations to work towards achieving Gold status.


A major focus of the business is to align with the government’s aim of reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050. Smith Brothers have acted by beginning to transition away from petrol/diesel to hybrid and fully electric cars, which will significantly decrease the company’s carbon emissions. To date, the business has taken delivery of thirty all electric vehicles including twenty-seven Model 3 Tesla’s, with more to follow. Charging points are being installed across the branch network to accommodate the increase of electric cars.


Our investment strategy allows for sustainable growth through the continued development of our people and product range, with the ongoing support of our suppliers and shareholders. In addition to the opening of SBS Glasgow, last year’s investment also saw the successful relocation of SBS Southampton in December, whose customers now benefit from a larger and more modern premises with an increased operational output. This year we look forward to the opening of SBS Sheffield, and plans are firmly in place for a further two branches in the near future.


We believe our continued product area growth, stock investment, ever-increasing operational capacity, along with the knowledge and dedication of our staff, really does help set us apart from our competitors.


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