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Selco News

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.”

SCHOOL OUTDOOR SPACE RECEIVES SELCO BOOST

January 16th, 2024
Selco donates materials to Leeds Shakespeare Primary School and Nursery

Pupils at a Leeds primary school are ready to further embrace the great outdoors thanks to a donation from our Leeds Roundhay branch.

Shakespeare Primary School and Nursery, which has around 700 pupils and is based on Lincoln Road, have been donated materials including decking and timber which will allow the youngsters to embark on den building sessions.

Julian Gorton, headteacher of Shakespeare Primary School, said: “Outdoor learning is a huge part of the school ethos and philosophy and incorporated into our engaging curriculum wherever we can.

“Since we moved to this location five years ago, we have always looked for opportunities to extend our outdoor learning provision so we are hugely grateful for Selco’s donation of materials which is going to enable us to deliver the den building area we have long since craved.

“As we are situated relatively centrally to the city centre in Leeds, there aren’t a huge amount of opportunities for the pupils to engage in woodland den-building type activities outside of school so we are delighted to provide them with the opportunity thanks to Selco.”

Chris Lowry, branch manager of our Leeds Roundhay branch, said: “We hope the materials we have donated will help further enhance the learning opportunities for the pupils of Shakespeare School.

“Here at Selco, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and we were delighted to be able to support such a large primary school.

“We hope there are many hours of education and enjoyment spent by the pupils in the new den building area.”

Selco launches HSS Hire partnership

December 19th, 2023
Selco launches HSS Hire partnership

Selco Builders Warehouse has always been known as a ‘one-stop shop’ for tradespeople – and we’ve further enhanced our reputation by launching an exciting new partnership with the UK’s leading tool and equipment hire specialists.

HSS Hire has opened its first two satellite operations in our branches in Slough and Milton Keynes.

Our Tottenham and Ashton-under-Lyne branches will also benefit from the hire service before the end of the year with a significant expansion to the partnership planned in 2024.

Each HSS Hire satellite desk will be found at our trade counters, with HSS Hire teams in place to offer specialist advice for the offering.

Howard Luft, chief executive of Selco, said: “This is a perfect partnership and an exciting development for our customers heading into 2024.

“Here at Selco, our commitment is to offer everything a tradesperson might need to go about their daily work all under one roof and the relationship we have formed with HSS Hire strengthens that proposition even further.

“At the heart of the ethos of both ourselves and HSS Hire is to offer outstanding service so it’s very much a win-win scenario for our customers.

“We are excited to have launched the partnership and look forward to it continuing for many years to come.”

Bart Murphy, director at HSS Hire, added: “We are looking to expand into strategic locations across the UK and this partnership with Selco represents an ideal chance to do that.

“There is a natural fit between the services offered by builders merchant and a tool and equipment hire specialist and we are delighted to be working in tandem with Selco to enhance the journeys for both sets of customers.”

SELCO BACKS NEXT GENERATION OF TRADESPEOPLE

December 13th, 2023
Selco partners with colleges for future tradespeople

We are proud to be backing the tradespeople of the future in an exciting colleges partnership.

Here at Selco, we have donated thousands of pounds worth of materials to college students studying trade and construction courses around the country.

Students have also been invited into our branches to learn more about how a builders' merchant operates and the relationship it has with tradespeople.

West London College, Leeds College of Building, Exeter College, Bournemouth and Poole College and Birmingham Metropolitan College are amongst the education establishments partnering with us on the scheme.

Each college has received £3,000 worth of materials and its students are currently undertaking at least three visits to their local Selco branches.

In 2024, West London College will receive an additional £5,000 of materials to continue supporting its ‘Green Skills’ courses as part of its offering around sustainability, a key pillar of our long-term strategy.

Enda Mulloy, deputy head of construction at West London College, said: “The Selco partnership is proving a fantastic initiative and an absolutely invaluable experience for our learners.

“A builders' merchant plays such a significant role in the life of a tradesperson that introducing our learners to them so early in their careers will stand them in really good stead.

“The materials and tools that Selco has kindly donated has also been an incredible help. We want our learners to carry out as much practical work as possible but that comes at a significant cost which we wouldn’t be able to meet without donations such as the one Selco has made.

“We can’t thank Selco enough for the work it is doing with our college and others around the UK and the significant difference it is making to the future of the industry.”

Alison Wong, head of communications and sustainability at Selco, said: “We are committed to supporting tradespeople at every level so this is an extremely exciting project for us to be involved with.

“We're delighted to be playing a small part in the educational journey of the next generation of tradespeople, whether that be through the donation of materials and tools, or the insight that our branch managers and teams are providing in how a builders' merchant plays a vital part in the day-to-day life of tradespeople.

“We look forward to continuing supporting the learners heading into 2024.”

SELCO CONTINUES TO HIT CHARITY HEIGHTS

November 29th, 2023
Selco Cancer Research UK Shine Walk Birmingham

Our generous customers, colleagues and suppliers are standing up to cancer to help us raise more than £150,000 for our nominated charity in 2023.

A packed year of fundraising activity has enabled us to raise the mammoth total for our charity partner Cancer Research UK.

November saw all 75 branches and our Support Centre come together to put the spotlight on the charity activity, with colleagues taking part in fancy dress days, joining forces for fitness challenges to complete either 500 press-ups, sit-ups or push-ups each day for a week and enjoying sweet treats in bake sales.

Earlier in the year, colleagues participated in abseils – including one down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth – completed cycle challenges and a 15 mile walk across London, while the annual Selco Golf Day was hosted at the West Midlands Golf Club.

The fundraising means we have donated more than £350,000 to Cancer Research UK in the last two years, which will be used to help the charity’s research into the prevention and treatment of cancer through the work of over 4,000 doctors, nurses and scientists.

Alison Wong, head of communications and sustainability at Selco, said: “Having Cancer Research UK as our nominated charity has truly resonated with everyone associated with Selco and that has been a key factor in us being able to raise such an incredible amount of money.

“The charity does fantastic work in carrying out vital research to tackle an illness which touches everyone’s life in some way and we are proud to play our part in supporting that effort.

“The engagement levels have been fantastic and we look forward to more of the same in 2024.”

Donation bins have also been placed in all branches and at Support Centre for customers and colleagues to donate household items and clothes, with £25 going to Cancer Research UK for each full bag.

Georgia McCormack, divisional fundraising manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “We have been blown away by the support Selco has provided us over the last two years.

“The business as a whole has shown fantastic commitment to fundraising and the sum raised is absolutely brilliant, particularly when you consider the challenging economic conditions everyone in the country is feeling.

“Our progress 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. One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it.”

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