editor’s interview


A perfect partnership


For over 50 years Symphony has been one of Britain’s leading suppliers of fitted kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom furniture. Robert Williamson, Symphony’s national business development manager, presented at the recent Retra Conference. Simon King reports


F


ounded in 1971, Symphony is the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturer


of fitted furniture with a turnover exceeding £350 million (2022) and over 2,000 employees. Its customers include residential housing


developers, social housing providers, independent retailers and builder’s merchants. Mr Williamson said: “The company prides itself on its high-quality products and the outstanding service it provides to customers. “Looking around this room, I see a group of independent electrical retailers, who as a group are demonstrating sustainability. However, it’s not just sustainability, longevity, and continuation it’s also a priority for the independent electrical retailer so I would like to


present to you how Symphony can play a key part in ensuring your business continues with our support.” Mr Williamson said that the Barnsley-based business has established a level of excellence in everything that it does. “We are a very modern, progress dynamic


organisation,” Mr Williamson said. “Our foundations are built on good old-fashioned values that rarely exist in the modern business world today. “There are enormous opportunities for


electrical retailers to enhance their business’ profit and contribution with kitchen furniture in their showrooms, above all helping you display appliances better and ultimately increasing your built-in and free-standing appliance sales.”


Symphony pride itself in building long-term


relationships with its suppliers, which is essential for any business looking to grow and expand. “Our relationships are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect,” Mr Williamson said. “It’s important to remember that B2B relationships are not just about making a sale, but rather about building a partnership that will benefit both parties in the long run.” The scale and sheer size of the Symphony business must not be underestimated. “The company has a £22 million stock holding in Yorkshire, with £10m built in safety stock, and 1.3 million sq ft of warehouse and manufacturing space over four sites,” Mr Williamson said. To aid logistics, bar coding and scanning of


products goes from goods inward to delivery with a manufacturing process designed to manage the peaks and troughs of demand. Key to Symphony’s strength is its after sales service with the capability to deliver replacements within 72 hours (six working days for paint to order product). Mr Williamson continued: “Symphony has an ethical trading partnership – we only partner with approved displaying partners of our brands.”


Environmental matters Symphony’s focus is to minimise the negative impact on the environment, promoting ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices, and supporting the well-being of communities. Mr Williamson said: “We are of course aware of


NZC (Net Zero Carbon) plans and recognise the value of such a commitment. Sustainability has always been at the forefront of our operation. “Symphony led the industry in 2007 when


we installed our biomass boiler which negated the need for a gas supply at our Barnsley HQ. Mr Williamson also highlighted that none of the company’s manufacturing waste is sent to landfill. We will further develop certain areas of our operation over the coming years and have set targets that will lower our carbon emissions.” “Even the excess chipboard from our biomass boiler is taken away for use in the agricultural industry,” he said. “It’s used as cow bedding, and when it’s dirty, as fertilizer on the land.”


Matthew Todd from Herbert Todd & Son


16 | www.ierdaily.co.uk


Symphony’s Marketing Suite Visit Symphony’s Marketing Suite to discover a wide variety of design styles in its portfolio. Be inspired by the company’s latest design ideas and innovative features; liaise with its designers to create your own stunning kitchen showroom. The Marketing Suite is located just 15 minutes


away from the M1, so is easily accessible. Mr Williamson said: “There’s no better way


Winter 2023/24


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