Looking back at 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, Smith Brothers have taken time out to reflect on some of the progress the business made in yet another year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit fallout.
Customer Portal
Smith Brothers proudly launched the first phase of our online customer portal in July, allowing existing customers to easily view and manage their account 24/7.
To date, hundreds of customers are utilising the online system and will be the amongst the first to benefit from our new eCommerce module, which will allow customers to view and order products online for delivery or click and collect. This is part of our phase two development, due for release in 2022.
If you’re an existing customer and haven’t yet signed up to manage your account online, click here to complete an access request form.
New trading locations in Sheffield and High Wycombe
SBS Sheffield officially opened its trade counter doors in August. Their unit covers 20,000 square foot and is located on Tinsley Park Close, just off junction 34 on the M1. Lee Burgin (Branch Manager) and his team have hit the ground running and are excited to celebrate their first full years trading in 2022 whilst continuing to grow their customer base.
SBS High Wycombe opened in November. Located at Wye Business Park on Thomas Road in the village of Wooburn Green, the branch is just off the A4094 which can be accessed by junction 3 on the M40. Michael House (Branch Manager) and his team are keen to continue the exceptional services offered by our branches by focusing on our customers, whilst providing excellent product knowledge on our diverse product ranges.
SBS Bristol: 10-year anniversary
This year marked the 10-year anniversary of our Bristol branch. Since opening in 2011, the branch has grown its trade by 500% and has since relocated to a larger premises to help satisfy demand.
Find out more about how the branch has grown.
Regional Product Specialists
We welcomed four Regional Product Specialists (RPS) to the business in 2021 who were employed specifically to provide expert product support on the exclusive to SBS pipe systems Aquatechnik, Frabo and Isotubi.
They also offer FREE product installer training to all customers, which upon completion activates a 25-year warranty. Participants will also receive a certificate and ID card confirming they have undertaken the training which can be carried and when on site.
Our RPS’s recently had the pleasure of showcasing the products at the PHEX Exhibition at Stamford Bridge.
Recognition
We were delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist at the H&V News Awards 2021 in their first ever ‘Low-Carbon Achievement of the Year’ category. It was a true testament to the progress the business has made towards lowering our environmental impact.
We were featured in The Builders Merchant News’ annual Leading Lights 2021 supplement, where businesses are ranked based on their financial and operational growth from their latest full years trading results. It was also great to see our inclusion in the East Midlands top 500 companies index for the second year in a row. Our marketing team were recognised making the shortlist as finalists in the Marketing Team of the Year category at the 2021 CMA Marketing awards.
The company also recognised our long-service staff members who reached their 10-year and 25-year milestones in 2021. A huge congratulations goes to Jamie Smith (Head Office) and Jay Allen (Leicester) for reaching their 25-year service awards.
Supporting the industry
Smith Brothers were proud sponsors of the H&V News Awards 2021 (sponsoring 4 categories) and also supported the ‘HVAC Back to Business Party’, which was an event created to re-connect, re-unite and celebrate with the industry after lockdown.
BESA Affiliate
Smith Brothers became an affiliate member of the BESA Group in 2021. Established in 1904, BESA’s primary focus is to support and serve members active in the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, control and management of engineering systems and services in buildings.
Smith Brothers first National Golf Day
We hosted our first ever national golf day on 3rd September at the Belfry Hotel and Resort. The event was attended by customers, staff members and representatives from the main sponsor IMI Hydronic Engineering. Players competed for a series of top prizes (including the chance to win £20,000 in the ‘hole in one’ competition) on the world famous Brabazon course.
We were delighted to welcome footballing legend Kevin Keegan, who enjoyed a round of golf with both staff and customers. He provided an excellent after dinner speech, where he revealed that he previously worked for Pegler Yorkshire before securing a life changing trial at Scunthorpe United.
Information Wallboards
Information Wallboards were introduced this year by our IT team across the business to give staff members a clear performance visual. The purpose of this development was to take positive steps to help branches to monitor and improve efficiencies where possible, helping with our service excellence promise.
SBS Academy
Smith Brothers always look to invest in our staff and their overall learning and development, which is why this year we introduced the SBS Academy. This is a Learning Management System (LMS) designed to support our staff members personal developments, as well as to enhance systems and product range knowledge within the business.
Goodbye to Batten Street!
This year marked the end of an era as we waved a final goodbye to our original offices on Batten Street, which housed our Leicester branch and Head Office operations between 1902 until 2016.
History of the Batten Street building.
Plans for 2022
SBS Cambridge – Opening 4th January 2022
Smith Brothers are starting the New Year with a bang by opening of SBS Cambridge on the 4th January. Their 25,000 sq. ft. unit is ideally situated on Buckingway Business Park, just off junction 24 of the A14.
Celebrating our 125th anniversary!
Next year, we will be celebrating 125 years since the company was founded when Walter Smith set out from a small unit in Leicester in 1897. Today, the business operates in England, Scotland, and Wales from 17 branches and a Head Office based in Leicester.
Stay Connected
Click here and learn how to stay connected with SBS and ensure you don’t miss out on future news, announcements and updates.
