MERCHANT FOCUS: JEWSON
JEWSON RISES IN THE WEST
A completely refurbished branch of builders merchant group Jewson has opened in Cornwall. Fiona Russell Horne went to see it.
J
ewson’s largest Cornish branch reopened after a nine-month rebuilding process at the beginning of February. People from across the Cornish construction community came together to mark the launch of the reinvented branch, at an event that featured football legends Peter Reid, Jimmy Bullard and Nigel Martyn. The three played games with guests and took part in a Q&A hosted by Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling.
Students from Cornwall Construction College demonstrated the range of specialist skills, while Jewson revealed its very own Cornish tartan, made bespoke to pay tribute to a key part of the region’s history and identity.
Steve Wickett, Jewson St Austell’s branch manager, said: “The opening of our new St Austell branch marks a significant milestone – not only for the local community, but for our business and the wider construction industry. At Jewson, we’re proud to partner the trades, so it was brilliant to see so many people come together for this unique celebration, to experience the branch firsthand and celebrate the skill, pride and passion in the sector, across the South West region.
“We set out to create a destination that genuinely raises expectations of what a modern builders’ merchant can offer, and the feedback so far has been incredibly positive. We’ve started a new journey here in St Austell, and we’re excited to continue building strong, lasting relationships with the community for many years to come.”
The refurbished branch now stocks 10,000 products and materials so builders and tradespeople can find everything they need for their projects in one place. There’s also an extended tool hire range, a new kitchen and bathroom centre, paint mixing, and a huge choice of workwear and footwear. Drive-in loading bays offer access to undercover timber, protecting the materials from the elements, while the dedicated
16
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2026
roofing range has an in-branch roofing specialist to support customers. Customers will also be able to use the branch to access the Project Estimator estimating service, and there is free hot drinks, and food for sale. John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK Ltd said: “The relaunch of our Jewson St Austell branch represents a step- change in merchanting in the region, offering a new level of support to the builders and tradespeople who are building, renovating and maintaining properties across Cornwall. “Our investment in this branch means we
can provide a great product range, great stock availability, great service from our team of experts, and great value for money. “St Austell had a really good platform to build on. It’s strategically well placed in the county, it had a great team and a great facility. All it needed was some investment and refurbishment. We had something that was already good, and we wanted to build on that. It also has a great manager in Steve Whittaker. He has a very strong team around him and that’s the reflection of a great manager. I’ve always believed if you get the manager right,
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
