UK Enterprise Awards 2021

180 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Apr21807 Best Builders Merchants & DIY Supplier - Midlands Supplier of building products to the trade and public for nearly 100 years, Thompson & Parkes prides itself on the local aspect of its business. We take a more in-depth look at the company to find out how it has stood the test of time. Thompson & Parkes is a family run independent builders’ merchant which is proud to be local. Trading in the Worcestershire and Shropshire areas since 1937, the firm has been supplying to the building trade and DIY market for generations and is a well-respected name within the community. Products provided include timber, plywood, plumbing, insulation, decorating, power tools, DIY, gardening and building equipment, and it is one of the largest suppliers of Dulux paint in the area, offering a free colour mix and match service. As a result of its successful growth, Thompson & Parkes now operates across three stores as well as running a fleet of vehicles delivering to local, national contractors and homeowners. Investing in the local community is paramount to this small family business which employs approximately 20 people. Being a renowned local employer, all staff and customers are treated as a priority at Thompson & Parkes. The company is also keen to work with the communities within which it operates and supports several local schools and nurseries with a variety of educational and school projects, which have continued and been extended over the last year throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Although 2020 brought both challenges and change, it also brought opportunity and the company was able to spend time reviewing working practices and examining new ways of working as it continued to adapt and flex with the changing building regulations. Currently, Thompson & Parkes is experiencing more clients who are looking back to more traditional building projects using timber frame and cladding, whilst other groups are moving to a more futuristic build approach with modern materials and renewables – a challenge when it comes to securing stock. However, the firm is always evolving its stock profile to suit the needs of the customer base, and has recently added, among others, LPG generators for internal use under new emission requirements, as well as increasing the range of thermal plasterboard available in response to refurbishment projects. Through the turbulence of the last 12 months, Thompson & Parkes continued to support community initiatives wherever possible, creating new partnerships such as with the Wolverley Animal Centre which is a non-profit educational centre offering Animal Care courses, educational encounters, experiences, holiday clubs and SEND child and adult placements. Team spirit is very much a core value and staff members are all treated as one big team, regardless of job title or store location. Regular training is provided to ensure that staff grow, develop and acquire new skills and, wherever possible, progress through the business. Living locally, all employees know the area well and act as the face of Thompson & Parkes and are always willing to offer their help, advice and local knowledge for the benefit of customers. Having successfully navigated the lasting and short-term effects of the pandemic, the firm has emerged stronger and more focused, with new systems and ways of doing business in place. Regarding the future, Thompson & Parkes will continue to support its customers, from the DIY enthusiasts, sole traders and SMEs to the large corporates, with its Kidderminster, Oreton and Stourport branches complementing and adding value to its commercial and business offerings. The company is looking forward and has a number of plans for the business, some of which are Covid dependent, including reviewing the Kidderminster site, as it continues on its journey of expansion. Company: Thompson & Parkes Web Address: www.thompsonandparkes.co.uk