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Selco News

SELCO SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL SCHEME

April 16th, 2024
Nottingham Primary School pupils and Selco staff

A Nottingham primary school embarking on a sustainability journey for its pupils has received our support.

Green-fingered children from Snape Wood Primary School, based on Aspen Road in Bulwell, have come together to begin the ‘Dig Deep for Trees’ project.

The youngsters have planted more than 50 fruit trees donated by the Woodland Trust – including cherry, pear and apple trees – and plan to use the fruit for school dinner recipes and to take home.

Our Nottingham branch on Radford Road has donated more than £950 worth of materials, including wood and other products to create planters, as well as garden rakes.

Kymberley Grant, Parent Governor at Snape Wood, said: “It’s a really exciting project and the children have loved every second of planting the trees.

“As a school community, we want our children to embrace and enjoy the natural world, to understand the sustainability elements that this type of scheme can bring and to provide hands-on experience of outdoor learning.

“It’s been fantastic to engage with different areas of the local community and Selco have been incredibly generous with their donation, enabling us to create an outdoor area we are extremely proud of.”

Adam Newbold, Trade Sales Manager at Selco Nottingham said: “We are delighted to be supporting the project at Snape Wood.

“As a business, we are fully committed to operating as sustainably as possible so to see a local school doing likewise is fantastic.

“As soon as we heard about the scheme, we had no hesitation in agreeing to a donation and we look forward to following the project closely, as well as seeing the children develop their love of the outdoors.”

Selco appoints new Commercial Director

April 9th, 2024
Selco Commercial Director David Lennon

We’re delighted to welcome David Lennon to the Selco team as our new Commercial Director.

The former Category Director at retail giant Morrisons joins as a new member of our Senior Leadership Team, headed up by Chief Executive Howard Luft.

David, aged 45, has extensive experience operating within the trade and DIY sector, including working as Head of Commercial Development for the Kingfisher Group’s Asia division in Hong Kong and as Category Director for B&Q in the UK.

David, who will lead our category and marketing functions, said: “It’s a real honour to become part of the team which has worked tirelessly to successfully establish Selco as a go-to destination for tradespeople across the UK.

“I genuinely think it’s a great moment to be joining the business. It’s been a testing few years for the sector, and the entire economy, on the back of Covid and the cost of living crisis.

“Now, as we start to see signs of the market recovering, there is excitement at the opportunities which lie ahead for Selco, and a major ambition throughout the whole business and the Grafton Group to deliver more success.

“We have a high number of innovations and developments in the pipeline, including further developing the overall customer proposition and exploring opportunities for direct sourcing, which we are confident will have a positive impact on our offering.”

David’s arrival coincides with two further additions to the Senior Leadership Team via internal promotions.

Sally Kerr has been appointed as HR Director while David Rose has taken the position of Supply Chain Director.

Howard Luft said: “We are thrilled to welcome David Lennon as our new Commercial Director. He will bring a wealth of commercial and customer focused expertise to the role and his experience operating in both the trade and retail sectors makes him the perfect fit for Selco.

“I’m also delighted to see Sally and David Rose become members of the Senior Leadership Team and their promotions are testament to their work and dedication.

“Our success as a business has been built around being totally focussed on delivering for our customers and having a vast supply of stock available to tradespeople through our branches and delivery services.

“Those principles will remain at the core of our short, medium and long-term strategy at Selco.”

Selco donates materials for village hall restoration

April 5th, 2024
Selco donates to Osbaldwick Village Hall

We have donated £5,000 worth of materials to assist with the redevelopment of Osbaldwick Village Hall.

Our York branch has provided the products to Osbaldwick Parish Council, which is currently refurbishing the former Methodist Chapel.

The building, which dates back to 1871, is undergoing renovation works, with internal structural repairs, new toilets and kitchen facilities and updates to the building’s insulation, electrics and plumbing.

In addition, the building will benefit from a two-story extension to include a staircase to a mezzanine floor in the original building.

Osbaldwick and Derwent Ward Councillor Mark Warters said: “Selco have been fantastic since the start of the project. The donation of £5,000 worth of products has been a massive help and we wouldn’t have been able to have made the progress we have achieved without their support.

“We are really grateful to the backing we have received from the team at the York branch, who have been extremely helpful. The branch management team and staff have been on hand throughout the project with prompt deliveries, competitive pricing and advice.

“The building has been empathetically restored and extended, providing a much-needed community space for local residents.”

The hall, which has been closed since August 2022, will re-open in April. The revamped space will be a vibrant new hub for community activities and meetings.

Aaron Matthews, branch manager of Selco York on Osbaldwick Link Road, said: “It’s important for us to work closely with the communities we are based in, and we’ve seen what a fantastic project the restoration of Osbaldwick Village Hall is.

“The hall has been a central part of the community for more than 150 years, so it is great to see it being restored and refurbished so it can continue to flourish for many years to come.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the final results of the work next month and have been proud to play a small part in the restoration.”

Selco donates to Hornfair Park community project

March 19th, 2024
Selco donates to Friends of Hornfair Park

We’ve stepped in to help further enhance a Greenwich park for the use of the local community.

Our Charlton branch has donated supplies to the Friends of Hornfair Park group, who are currently working to improve the park facilities for local residents.

The group was awarded a Parks Forum grant last year that has allowed them to purchase new picnic benches to help provide a family friendly area. The donated materials will be used to provide concrete plinths for the benches to be bolted to.

Ann Lowes, Chair of Friends of Hornfair Park, said: “It’s great to have the support of Selco. While the grant we received helped us to purchase the two benches, we were in need of material donations to complete the installation. The team at Selco has been so helpful, with swift delivery allowing our volunteers to fit the benches promptly.

“Hornfair Park is a little bit of a hidden gem that has not in recent years received as much support as it might. Our newly established constituted local community group, launched in March last year, is enthusiastic about getting our park back on the map and making it a place for family, friends and community to come together.”

Hornfair Park is home to Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club, with a multi-use games area, children's playground and paddling pool. There are also football pitches with changing facilities for hire, a BMX track, formal gardens and open space areas.

Carolyn Bellers, branch manager for Selco Builders Warehouse Charlton, which is based on Woolwich Road, said: “It’s important for our branch to have a real affiliation to the local community and this project was one we were delighted to be able to support.

“The Friends of Hornfair Park group is doing great work to improve the park’s facilities, which is located just the other side of Charlton Park.

“It’s always lovely to see a group of volunteers working together and the installation of these new benches will really help to provide a family-friendly space that is more accessible and that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”

Selco fundraising receives special commendation in awards

March 13th, 2024
Selco Charity partner cancer research UK

Our fantastic charity efforts for Cancer Research UK have been recognised.

We are proud to have donated more than £400,000 to the charity over the last two years and Cancer Research UK has honoured us with a Special Commendation in its Corporate Fundraising Team of the Year category.

It is the second time we have received the accolade which forms part of Cancer Research UK’s annual Flame of Hope awards, celebrating the achievements of the charity’s most inspiring and outstanding fundraisers and volunteers.

Our customers, colleagues and suppliers have joined forces to play their part in helping beat cancer through a series of fundraising events over the past two years.

These have included walking, abseiling, cycling and running challenges, golf days and special themed events at our 75 UK branches.

Alison Wong, head of communications and sustainability at Selco, said: “It’s been an incredible two years of fundraising for Cancer Research UK and we are thrilled to have raised more than £400,000.

“Having Cancer Research UK as our nominated charity truly resonates with everyone connected with Selco and the engagement we have seen around fundraising activity has been exceptional.

“We are continuing our support for this fantastic charity into 2024 and we looking forward to raising more vital funds to make a real difference to the research it carries out.”

Money raised helps Cancer Research UK analyse potential prevention and treatment of cancer through the work of over 4,000 doctors, nurses and scientists.

Jayme Shepherd, relationship manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “The support Selco have provided the charity has been first-class and the team is fully deserving of recognition in our Flame of Hope Awards.

“Throughout Selco, there is a genuine commitment and enthusiasm for fundraising and that is illustrated by the fact that the company has raised a phenomenal amount of money over the last two years.

“Our progress as a charity relies on the incredible dedication and commitment of volunteers and supporters like Selco – without whom we would not be able to fund our life-saving work.”

Cricket Club Hits Heights On And Off The Field

February 26th, 2024
Selco and Osbaldwick Cricket Club partnership

On-song Osbaldwick Cricket Club has enjoyed the perfect build-up to the 2024 season by landing a sponsorship extension with Selco.

We have sponsored the Yorkshire Premier League North club since 2020 and we’re delighted to commit our support for a further two years.

Osbaldwick won the Division Two Galtres title last season to secure promotion, while the club’s second team were also crowned league champions.

The club also has a midweek adult team and a thriving junior section as it continues to grow in numbers.

Sam Thompson, committee member and first team player, said: “To have a nationally renowned sponsor such as Selco on board is a huge coup for the club and we are delighted that will be the case for two more years.

“Selco have been fantastic supporters of ours and we have an excellent relationship with the local branch in York.

“The support Selco provides makes a huge difference to the running of the club, which has become increasingly difficult over the last few years, and we are hugely grateful for the backing.

“We’ve had an incredible year on the pitch with both senior teams winning league titles and to have Selco commit their support sponsorship wise is the icing on the cake.”

As part of the agreement, cricket fans will be able to see our familiar yellow and blue branding around the pitch and on the front of the shirts of all senior teams.

Aaron Matthews, branch manager of Selco York, said: “Osbaldwick Cricket Club is a big part of the local community and we are delighted to play a small part in ensuring the club continues to thrive.

“There was fantastic success at the club last season and we look forward to seeing all adult and junior teams continue to shine in 2024.”

FEEL THE FURY – SELCO PARTNERS WITH BOXING STAR

February 15th, 2024
Roman Fury and Selco Team

We’ve found the perfect way to demonstrate that our services and materials prove a knockout success with tradespeople – by entering into a sponsorship agreement with boxing star Roman Fury.

We’re delighted to announce we’ve teamed up with a member of arguably the UK’s most famous sporting family.

Brother to world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and fellow boxer and Love Island star Tommy Fury, Roman has currently got a perfect record of three victories from as many bouts.

The 27-year-old - who revealed members of the Fury family have previously used Selco during their days working in the trade - is due to have his next bout in Saudi Arabia in March as part of the undercard to the high-profile Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou encounter.

The partnership with see Fury carry our yellow and blue logo on his shorts for fight nights, with the boxer also making personal appearances.

Fury said: “To have the backing of a major national company such as Selco is a real honour.

“I’m in the very early stages of my career so I’m grateful that a company with such nationwide exposure has placed its faith in me.

“We know Selco really well. Tyson used to go into the Baguley branch regularly when he was doing some landscape gardening and I’ve worked in bricklaying in the past and used to shop in the Salford branch.

“Everyone knows Selco is where the trade go so I’m looking forward to meeting the customers and colleagues as the year goes on.

“I’m hoping to do Selco proud every time I enter the ring, starting with next month, and hopefully it’s the start of a long partnership.”

Stuart Chamberlain, Selco’s regional trading director, said: “We are delighted to have become a small part of ‘Team Fury’.

“Led by Tyson, the family has become a real success story for British sport and we are delighted to be supporting Roman as he launches his career.

“He’s done everything asked of him in his three contests so far and he will get a huge amount of exposure and experience in his next outing in Saudi Arabia which we are really excited about.”

Selco places more bricks in the wall

February 12th, 2024
Selco colleagues with Chris of Chiltern Brick and Tile

We have taken another step towards laying the foundations for a successful 2024 by significantly developing our brick offering.

‘The Brick Store’ has been created in four Selco branches – brought to life by show walls featuring more than 200 different product samples – to mark the start of an exciting new partnership with Chiltern Brick and Tile.

The initiative has been initially launched in Enfield, Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, with plans for a further expansion to the partnership across our branch network as the year progresses.

We have made it really easy for our customers - simply enter the branch and match the brick with one displayed, or use the QR code to provide information and request a follow-up call.

Howard Luft, chief executive at Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “The Brick Store is taking our offering to tradespeople to the next level and securing Selco’s place as a go-to destination for bricks.

“We now offer more than 200 bricks from a wide range of different manufacturers which will either be available in branch to collect immediately or delivered to our customers’ jobs within a matter of days in the quantities they require.

"We are constantly developing our services to make working life as convenient as possible for tradespeople and this is another move to ensure they can access everything they need for their jobs under one roof.”

Chiltern Brick and Tile was launched a little under 12 months ago, with founder and managing director Chris Magill utilising his 30 years’ experience in the construction supply sector to oversee the new initiative.

Chris said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Selco, a true market leader when it comes to the supply of building materials and products in the UK.

“We have strong relationships with all the leading brick manufacturers across the UK and Europe and we will be ensuring we utilise our expertise and contacts to work alongside Selco to establish a premium service.

“In the four branches we have already established The Brick Store, each display has bricks which are unique to the local area and we have consulted with manufacturers to ensure we have the right bricks for jobs most likely to be carried out in that geographical location.

“We are also creating and training ‘brick champions’ in each Selco branch to ensure customers have the very best advice and guidance when it comes to selecting and purchasing bricks.”

SELCO CONTINUES APPRENTICESHIP PUSH IN FLAGSHIP WEEK

February 7th, 2024
Selco womens apprenticeship

We have today demonstrated our commitment to developing our own talent to take management positions by launching a new apprenticeship programme.

To mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re delighted to unveil a new Women in Leadership programme.

The apprenticeships will be delivered by training provider Instep and nearly 50 females amongst our workforce have already expressed an interest in beginning either a Level 3 or Level 5 apprenticeship.

We launched a substantial apprenticeship offering in 2020, with more than 200 colleagues having either completed their apprenticeship or are currently midway through the qualification.

Sally Kerr, HR director for Selco, said: “Our apprenticeship programmes have become a crucial part of our people strategy over the last four years as we help colleagues fulfil their potential and progress their careers.

“We are continuing to promote our apprenticeships strongly to all our colleagues internally and our aim is to secure another 100 starting a programme in 2024.

“As part of that pledge, we are keen to support the progress of women in our industry as we continue to take steps towards becoming a fully diverse and inclusive workforce.

“Around 90 per cent of our current female managers or deputy managers have come through internal promotion and we want to continue to give other women the opportunity and confidence to push their career to the next level with Selco.

“We’ve already had 23 women commit to starting an apprenticeship in the coming weeks and we are looking forward to seeing that number continue to grow.

“We have a programme which is built by female leaders for female leaders and will help our colleagues continue to develop.”

The apprenticeships will take up to 18 months to complete and consist of up to 10 modules including strategic leadership, transactional analysis and people and talent management.

Our current apprenticeship offering includes Rising Stars – which helps branch colleagues complete retail qualifications under the guidance of leading training provider Realise – and the Selco Driver Academy which re-trains current colleagues as newly-qualified HGV drivers.

SELCO PARTNERS WITH UK KITCHEN SPECIALIST MAGNET

January 29th, 2024
Magnet Kitchen Showroom

We're delighted to launch a new collaboration with leading kitchen specialists Magnet to extend our kitchen product portfolio.

The inaugural Magnet showroom opened in our Walthamstow branch today (January 29) and will be followed by our Enfield and Tottenham branches by the end of February.

The partnership is launching on an initial pilot trial, with plans to expand it across our branch network if the concept proves successful.

The kitchen showrooms within our branches will give trade professionals access to over 250 kitchen ranges, including award winning products such as Magnet’s pre-built cabinets, which have held the Which? Best Buy for six years running.

In addition to the wide range of products, the partnership will give our customers access to a full kitchen design and quote within 24 hours for the first time, with a seamless ordering process including onsite delivery, on time and with free onsite measuring also available.

Magnet kitchen specialist consultants will be on hand in all three branches to provide design services, as well as insight into the style, functionality and durability of Magnet’s award-winning ranges and the options available to trade professionals and their clients.

Howard Luft, Chief Executive of Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We are thrilled to have entered into a partnership with Magnet who have a fantastic reputation and tradition for supplying premium quality kitchens in the UK.

“Not only will our customers see a greater product and design choice, but they will also benefit from accelerated lead times and the expertise of Magnet’s in-house design specialists.

“We are confident this will be a successful partnership and hugely beneficial to our customers, who will enjoy outstanding service from both ourselves and Magnet.”

Kristoffer Ljungfelt, Executive Vice President at Magnet, said: “Magnet has a heritage of over 100 years, founded as a trade business in Bingley, Yorkshire in 1918.

“Although we’ve come a long way from our humble Yorkshire roots, our connection to the trade has always been at the heart of what we do, which is why we’re delighted to be partnering with Selco who have achieved remarkable growth over the past two decades having positioned themselves as the go-to choice for tradespeople across the UK.

“This exciting new venture will give their customers access to our premium kitchen designs, offering more choice and an enhanced range of quality products all under one roof at prices to suit all budgets.”

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