Selco News

Children at a Nottingham primary school have taken steps to ensure none of their fellow pupils ever feel alone by building a ‘Buddy Bench’ – with our help.

Wellbeing ambassadors at Claremont Primary School, based on Claremont Road, approached their teachers with a request to put in the new friendship facility on the playground used by children in years three to six.

Colleagues at our Nottingham store on Radford Road answered the request of the school and Councillor Shuguftah Quddoos for support by providing the materials to allow the children’s vision to become reality.

Keri Bilson, chair of the Parent Teacher Association at the school, said: “One of our core values is to collaborate as a family by working, playing and having fun with each other and this gesture by the children is extremely heart-warming.

“The idea behind it is that, on the odd occasion that a child doesn’t have anyone to play with or feels upset, they can sit on the buddy bench and help from the other children will soon be available.

“The wellbeing ambassadors are largely made up of children in years five and six and the idea of a buddy bench has entirely come from them, which is fantastic.

“The only involvement they have had from adults was to try and secure the materials and we are extremely grateful to Selco for helping the children achieve their aim. We look forward to the buddy bench being an important part of the school for many years to come.”

As part of the support, we provided a range of materials including concrete blocks, fence posts, topsoil and cement.

Adam Newbold, deputy manager of Selco Nottingham, said: “When we received the letter from the pupils at Claremont School, it really touched the hearts of all our team.

“To see children as young as eight and nine coming up with such an innovative idea and making it a reality is fantastic and we were thrilled to supply the materials for the buddy bench.

“Hopefully the bench will become the location where lots of school friendships are formed.”

An environmentally friendly project in Wokingham that teaches young people DIY skills by making bird boxes from scrap wood has received a donation of toolkits from us.

The Eco Skills Learning Centre in Arborfield has received a boost with the donation of 10 multipurpose toolkits from our Reading store on the Portman Trading Estate.

The tool bags are packed with essential trade tools to help the charity with its projects like a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, measuring tape and more.

The centre welcomes young people to make bird boxes and bug hotels using unwanted wood donated by local residents and businesses.

Dr Bilber Bachra, of The Eco Skills Learning Centre, said the project aims to teach visitors new skills while improving the environment:

“We’re very grateful to Selco for their generous donation. All the tools will be put to use immediately as we teach young people some practical skills, including how to use a hammer and screwdriver.

“We launched in 2024, initially working in our back gardens and moved to the Eco Skills Learning Centre in February this year.

“We have so far made 755 bird boxes for blue tits and 100 bug hotels. We are working with Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust to see what other habitats we could make in the future.

“The Wildlife Trust has identified that swifts and hedgehogs are on the endangered list, so we have now expanded our range of habitats to include include boxes for hedgehogs and swifts. Looking to the future we plan to build boxes for owls and bats.

“The young people work in pairs and spend about two-and-a-half hours to make a bird box each, which they take home to put up.

“The whole cycle is very environmentally friendly and ensures the wood isn’t being burned or sent to landfill.”

The project is run by around 15 volunteers, who also deliver workshops at community events and school fetes.

The group meets on Wednesdays and is always looking for volunteers and donations of wood.

Selco Reading branch manager Tony Webb said: “We’re delighted to support The Eco Skills Learning Centre and this excellent project.

“Various surveys have shown that many young people lack basic DIY skills. Workshops like this can make a huge difference and give people confidence for the rest of their lives.

“Being part of our local community is important to us and this is another example of how we get involved with good causes.”

A dozen cyclists from Selco displayed their pedal power by completing a charity bike ride to raise more than £8,000!

Store managers from across our north London stores took on the ‘Ride the Region’ challenge.

The near 60-mile journey started at the Hanger Lane store as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

The group – which was backed by a support team - cycled 55 miles over two days, largely along the Grand Union Canal, to reach their final destination of our Milton Keynes store.

More than £8,000 has been raised so far from the challenge for our nominated charity, Cancer Research UK.

Ashley Watts, manager of Selco Kingsbury and who was one of the event organisers, said: “It was a warm couple of days which made it quite tough cycling along some rough terrain, but it was a great experience.

“We had a mixed ability of cyclists but everyone stuck together and we got through the two days without any punctures, injuries or any other incidents.

“To be able to join a group of colleagues, and in many cases friends, and to complete a challenge such as this was a fantastic feeling and there was a real sense of accomplishment.

“We are thrilled to have raised the amount of money we have for Cancer Research UK. It’s a charity which is very close to the hearts of a lot of people who took part and the planning is already underway for the next charity event.”

We're proud to have been supporting Cancer Research UK for the last three years and we have now raised well over £500,000, which is used to help the charity’s studies into the prevention and treatment of cancer through the work of over 4,000 doctors, nurses and scientists.

We're thrilled to have launched a new initiative offering our trade suppliers enhanced access to promote their products to a huge audience of trade professionals – with many already enjoying a significant spike in sales.

We're providing our suppliers with the platform to enjoy additional promotional and advertising opportunities through Selco Trade Media.

Opportunities are available across our store network, digital and social media platforms and via other assets such as our vehicle fleet.

More than 20 suppliers have already partnered with us, with one hand tool supplier already seeing a huge 300% surge in units sold within Selco.

David Lennon, Commercial Director of Selco, said: “We're delighted to have kicked off Selco Trade Media and see this as a huge opportunity to offer a new and unmissable feature to our loyal and valued suppliers.

“We communicate with a massive trade audience of hundreds of thousands in multiple ways every day of the week, whether that’s through customers coming through the doors of our stores or through digital platforms such as e-mail or social media.

“Our suppliers now have the unique chance to amplify their key messages to a targeted and engaged customer base through a range of opportunities, and it’s great to see a good number of suppliers already taking advantage.

“We look forward to working with many of our other valued suppliers over the weeks and months to come on this exciting project.”

Amongst the suppliers to be already promoting products through the Selco Trade Media platform are West Fraser, leading manufacturer of carbon negative engineered wood-based panel products, ToughBuilt, which supplies a range of hand tools and accessories, and leading silicone, sealants, adhesives and foams supplier Siroflex.

Any supplier interested in finding out more about the Selco Trade Media options should contact one of our product category managers.

A ground-breaking community hub in Walthamstow being built using plant-based materials has won support through our Community Heroes campaign.

Higham Hill Hub is building one of the UK’s first social buildings using Hempcrete - a sustainable, carbon-capturing material made from hemp shiv, the woody stem of the hemp plant, and lime.

The hub supports young people, families and vulnerable groups with activities, climate education and local projects.

Now the group has been named as a Selco Community Hero, winning £1,000 of building materials to spend in store with us, that will be used to fit out the inside of the building to welcome the community back in.

Max Dewdney, from Higham Hill Hub, said: “We are thrilled to be named as a winner of Selco’s fantastic Community Heroes campaign.

“Our goal is to be a hub to facilitate, host and deliver a wide range of activities and seasonal events for all generations of the community, bringing people together to build relationships.

“We are really excited about our new building. Every screw, shelf and strip of timber will help bring this visionary space to life – and Selco’s support is going to make a huge difference.”

We’re thrilled to be helping dozens of good causes across the country through Community Heroes. Now in its fifth year, this year’s prize pot stands at an incredible £57,500, split into 40 individual prizes of £1,000 to spend in store, alongside a £10,000 cash prize for an overall winner, £5,000 for second place and £2,500 for third.

Simon Humpage, Head of Multi-Channel Marketing at Selco, said: “Community Heroes was created to help good causes that make a difference to people’s lives – and Higham Hill Hub certainly fits the bill.

“This eco-friendly building will be well used and appreciated by people in and around Walthamstow and we’re delighted to be a part of it.

“We have had some fantastic entries already this year but we’re always hungry for more so don’t delay, get those nominations submitted today.”

Plans to create a petting farm in Dewsbury - run by young people with additional needs – have taken a step forward after the project won building materials through Community Heroes.

Friends of Ravenshall is planning to launch the small farm and café and open it up to the public.

Young people with additional needs would learn practical skills by helping to build animal enclosures, caring for the animals and managing the café.

The project has received a significant boost after winning £1,000 of building materials in our Community Heroes competition.

Volunteers from Friends of Ravenshall will be invited to visit Selco Bradford store on Tong Street to collect the materials.

Fundraising Manager Charlotte Gray-Sharpe said: “We could hardly believe it when we heard we were a Selco Community Hero. It means the world to us.

“This project will have tremendous benefits for the young people involved, who gain invaluable experience in construction and design, as well as working towards qualifications in animal care, horticulture and hospitality, preparing them for employment.

“Donations of building materials are vital as we move to the next stage in creating a shared space for all to enjoy.”

Friends of Ravenshall was chosen as a Community Hero by our judges from hundreds of entries.

This year, we’re giving away £57,500 through the campaign, split into 40 individual prizes of £1,000 to spend in store, alongside a £10,000 cash prize for an overall winner, £5,000 for second place and £2,500 for third.

Simon Humpage, Head of Multi-Channel Marketing at Selco, said: “Choosing our five monthly winners from the hundreds of entries is always a mammoth task as there are so many worthy causes across the country, but Friends of Ravenshall really stood out.

“This is a fantastic project that is giving young people tremendous opportunities for growth. I hope the building materials are just what the volunteers need to create a wonderful space for all to enjoy.

“Community Heroes is our flagship charitable programme – and it’s open to any group that does good work in its local area, so get involved today.”

We’re proud to support a group that brightens up Portsmouth each year with 100 street art murals across the city.

Art Up (Portsmouth) CIC organises the annual LOOKUP Portsmouth street art festival, which brings world-class permanent art to all areas of the city. This year the event takes place September 13 and September 14.

The group was delighted to be named a Selco Community Hero, winning £1,000 to spend on masonry paint.

Art Up (Portsmouth) CIC was chosen from hundreds of entries by judges for the prize.

Director Angela Parks said: “We are delighted to receive this fantastic prize from Selco. We use over 1,000 litres of masonry paint to create the street art murals, so this will be extremely useful.

“LOOKUP Portsmouth attracts some of the world’s leading street artists and brings in around 25,000 visitors.

“It also gives over 750 children the chance to try spray painting, and provides development opportunities for emerging women artists to build their skills and confidence - helping address the under-representation of women in street art.

“We’re all about creating a shared experience in Portsmouth – and it’s great to have Selco on board.”

This year’s Community Heroes prize fund totals an impressive £57,500, with 40 individual £1,000 in-store prizes, plus a £10,000 cash prize for the overall winner, £5,000 for second place, and £2,500 for third.

Simon Humpage, Head of Multi-Channel Marketing at Selco, said: “This is the fourth year of Community Heroes, which has already helped dozens of good causes across the country. We are proud to be making a tangible difference to people’s lives.

“Art Up (Portsmouth) CIC really stood out because it’s such a unique and innovative idea. The painted walls around the city look absolutely incredible and are a real tourist attraction.

“At Selco we stock a range of masonry paints from leading brands, as well as decorating materials, so I’m sure organisers will be able to find many materials to help with the project.”

A Barnet charity that supports vulnerable young people through horse-based education is galloping towards success after winning building materials from us.

Strength and Learning Through Horses (SLTH) has scooped £1,000 to spend in store with us after being named as a Community Hero.

SLTH helps more than 450 disadvantaged young Londoners boost their mental health and school prospects through its unique horse therapy and alternative education programmes.

Louise Gibson, Fundraising and Community Engagement Manager at SLTH, said: “This prize is tremendous news for our charity.

“We plan to use the materials to build more outdoor benches and better fencing to keep everyone safe and comfortable on-site, including the young people, staff, volunteers and the horses.

“This upgrade will make a huge difference to our space, where vulnerable young people connect with horses and transform their lives.

“With better facilities, we can continue to make a real impact on hundreds of young people each year. It’s great to see Selco getting involved like this.”

Louise and the team plan to visit Selco New Southgate on Brunswick Park Industrial Estate to select their products.

This is the fourth time we have run the Community Heroes campaign – and it’s grown in popularity year on year.

This year, we have revamped the format of the competition and increased the prize pot to a huge £57,500. This includes 40 individual prizes of £1,000 to spend in-store, alongside a £10,000 cash prize for an overall winner, £5,000 for second place and £2,500 for third.

Any group that supports the local community has until the end of September to enter online.

Simon Humpage, Head of Multi-Channel Marketing at Selco, said: “Everyone at Selco is extremely proud of Community Heroes and the real difference it makes to so many good causes across the UK. We are creating a real legacy and changing lives.

“SLTH is an incredible charity and a worthy Community Hero. Horses encourage young people to learn about their own emotions and behaviour to make positive changes that improve their lives.

“Community Heroes is our flagship charitable programme – and it’s open to any group that does good work in its local area, so get involved today.”

A Cheltenham not-for-profit company that supports vulnerable children has won materials to improve its play area by building playhouses and teepees.

Children Lead The Way CIC has been named as a winner in our Community Heroes competition, receiving £1,000 to spend in store with us.

The group helps disadvantaged children and families across Gloucestershire who are unable to attend mainstream school as a result of trauma, anxiety, adversity or mental health issues.

The materials will be used to improve a recently built outdoor wellbeing and recovery forest centre, where children can experience the joy of learning in nature whilst meeting all their sensory and emotional needs.

Stacey Innes, Founder of Children Lead The Way, said: “We are thrilled to receive this fantastic prize from Selco.

“Our outdoor community centre gives hope and joy back to children who feel unseen, unworthy and broken as a result of their additional needs or adverse experiences that make everyday life hard.

“The outdoor centre gives children the chance to be their authentic selves again. Every child deserves to feel the joy and wonder of learning and every parent deserves to see their child love life again.

“We want to build better wooden structures on-site to improve opportunities for children who find it hard to play alongside others or need that extra reassurance to feel safe in social situations, including playhouses, teepees and a stage.

“We are also looking to upgrade our temporary fencing to create more inclusive opportunities for vulnerable children to have the autonomy to explore freely and feel connected with nature.”

Our Community Heroes campaign has helped dozens of good causes across the country over the last four years. This year, the prize pot has been significantly increased to £57,500, including 40 individual prizes of £1,000 to spend in store.

Later in the year, an overall winner will also secure the top prize of £10,000 in cash, while second place will scoop £5,000 and third place will receive £2,500.

Any group that supports the local community has until the end of September to enter online.

Simon Humpage, our Head of Multi-Channel Marketing, said: “We’re delighted to support Children Lead The Way CIC as our latest Community Heroes winner and look forward to welcoming the team to our Cheltenham store at Festival Park. The children are sure to enjoy their new play equipment and it’s a privilege to be part of the project.

“Community Heroes 2025 is well underway and we have been inundated with hundreds of excellent nominations. We love to help worthy causes whenever we can, which is why we made the decision to significantly increase both the total prize pot and the number of winners.”

A community interest company in Dorset that gives young people and women the chance to learn DIY skills has received a donation of toolkits from Selco.

From North End Farm in Christchurch runs inclusive workshops to give people the opportunity to learn practical, hands-on skills in a supportive environment.

The new project has been backed by our Poole store, which has donated 10 multi-purpose toolkits, packed with screwdrivers, hammers, saws, pliers and knives.

Lou Brown, Co-Founder and Creative Director of North End Farm, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this fantastic donation from Selco – it will make a tremendous difference.

“We are a female-led not-for-profit organisation on a mission to smash stereotypes and spark confidence. This new project will be a place where total beginners can dive into DIY, traditional crafts and essential life skills in a fun, non-judgmental zone.

“The workshops are open to all and everyone is welcome but we’re particularly focused on women and care leavers – because everyone deserves the tools to thrive.”

The workshops are led by experts with lived experience, creating a supportive space for collaboration and growth.

Courses include tiling, essential tools and what they do, power tools and their uses, car maintenance, bike maintenance and beginner carpentry.

Women who are receiving benefits are able to claim free places on the courses.

Jon Harris, Branch General Manager of Selco Poole on Fleets Corner Business Park, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support From North End Farm.

“The team has put in a tremendous amount of work to get the community interest company up and running. These courses will really increase confidence and allow people to develop skills in a supportive environment.

“Though Selco is here to serve the trade, we are still fully supportive of people being given access to hands-on, DIY skills so they have the confidence of tackling jobs around the home.”