IN PERSON Parker’s experience, particular on the
heavyside, will be invaluable in helping Laker Builders Merchant to continue its growth plans, Robinson believes. “We believe Tom will bring another quality to our management team. We have moved into heavyside but our offering isn’t where we need it to be yet. Issues with the Covid pandemic, and allocation of stock on a variety of different heavyside materials have limited what we can do thus far. However, we firmly believe that Tom’s experience, contacts and guidance will be invaluable in helping us to take this forward.” From Parker’s point of view, he felt he could bring in a certain knowledge of the area. “Under the Parker umbrella we had branches all-round the Kent and Sussex area, so I understand the local customer mindset. More than that, the thing that has really brought me into this is the people. In this company, I can see a different view from the norm. With Ady you’ve got the knowledge of the merchant side, the trading. He’s experienced with selling products in this industry. With Steve, you’ve got the technical background, the experience with technology and the new ideas. It’s the same old story. I love the industry. I can’t hang up my boots, because I love the people and the industry. I
have made, and kept, too many friends in the industry to want to leave it. What appealed to me about Lakers though was the thought of being able to work with Ady and Steve. When I sat in front of them and realised the benefits of what Ady brings with his experience, and Steve with his, that passion that both have for the business really comes across. If I look back to my days with Parkers, passion for the business was what we were about. You need the right people in your business, and the right people are passionate about what they do.”
Robinson adds: “Tom’s passionate about the sector too. And that was one of the things that made us want to reach out to him. He’s already helped us with contacts, doors are opening for us, and we are meeting more and more people, and starting to make friends. And that’s what this industry is all about.” Parker agrees: “It’s friendships, associations, relationships and honesty that is what this industry is about. Not a day goes by that I don’t get some sort of contact with my old friends in the business, some still trading, some not trading. It’s a lovely, lovely relationship and I’d like to integrate Lakers into that format, because I know there are enormous benefits for all of them.”
In particular, Parker says that Laker is committed to pushing through with the renewable agenda, now that the net zero deadline is looming. “Lots of builders’ merchants have played at offering renewables in the past, but probably haven’t progressed as far as they could have done, for a variety of reasons. Lakers though, I believe will take it to the next step, and will get to the finish line. Steve and Ady are committed to making it happen. I want to be part of that journey and that innovation. It’s a great challenge, and I’m honoured to be able to be involved in it.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2023
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