Looking back at 2023

As 2023 ends, Smith Brothers look back on what has been another progressive year. A year of growth and progress in all areas, not just financially, with every staff member proudly participating.

ISO 9001:2015

Smith Brothers gained ISO 9001:2015 accreditation in Quality Management Systems – a huge achievement!

Why this particular accreditation? Despite Smith Brothers previously having quality assurances in place, it was important as a fast-growing business to review our existing policies and procedures, so we could implement improvements where necessary. This is why we sought ISO 9001 accreditation. The accreditation is key for any organisation seeking to monitor and improve quality whilst consistently meeting their customers’ requirements.

ISO9001 enables: 

• Increased efficiency
• A factual approach to decision making
• Better supplier relationships
• Improved customer satisfaction
• Greater employee morale

FORS Gold

After celebrating 10 years of FORS accreditation in 2023, Smith Brothers were granted FORS Gold status in May. Our Gold status is valid across all locations, including future branch openings.

We are accredited as a Multi-Site Operating Centre Accreditation (MOCA) as opposed to many of our competitors, whose FORS accreditation is limited to single operating centres within their respective businesses.

Look out for the Gold FORS logo on the back of our vehicles!

CORE launch

Smith Brothers introduced an own-branded range of products to the marketplace in May to offer HVAC installers a quality and affordable alternative to market-leading brands. Aptly named CORE, the range was devised using SBS’s solid foundations, knowledge and supply chain expertise gained throughout a 125+ year trading history.

CORE already possesses an extensive product portfolio, including copper fittings, ball and butterfly valves, tools, brass and malleable clips, channel components, flange packs, weld rods and fasteners – with much more due in 2024.

Visit www.sbscore.co.uk and follow CORE’s LinkedIn page to stay up to date with the latest news and releases.

Online ordering

We launched phase two of our online customer portal (www.sbsonline.net) enabling customers to place orders online.

Phase two’s key features:

• Enabling online ordering for same day collections and next-day deliveries
• Real-time stock information, both companywide and individually by branch
• Products SKUs populated with downloadable technical information and documentation

The portal gained industry recognition this year having won the Innovation Award at Constructing Excellence East Midlands Awards.

Existing customers can sign up to use the portal here.

New literature

Smith Brothers has been busy updating and creating new literature to aid our customer base.

• Product guide – Offers a snapshot of our vast supply chain, showcasing the tens of thousands of products available from Smith Brothers. There is something to suit all HVAC applications!
• Vital Stats Literature – From pipe system applications to flange charts, jointing guides, and comparison tables, this guide contains essential industry statistics that help answer those everyday queries
• ACR Essentials Guide – Designed to provide a comprehensive overview of our extensive range of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration units and accompanying ancillaries
• CORE Pipe Support Brochure – Discover CORE’s comprehensive range of pipe support products, available to support the installation of metal and plastic pipe systems
• CORE Capillary and Compression Fittings Brochure – Discover our complete range of CORE End Feed, Solder Ring and Compression (including DZR) fittings, along with accompanying product codes and bag/box quantities
• Tool Hire Brochure – Smith Brothers have teamed up with MEP Hire, the leading provider of M&E tools to offer an unrivalled hire service. This brochure showcases what’s on offer

New Branches!

Smith Brothers continued along our path of sustainable expansion with the addition of three new locations this year, taking our branch network to 20 branches across the UK.

SBS Dundee opened in Q2 this year, and new locations in Hull and Exeter opened more recently in November.

Learn more about our newest branches here.

Awards & Accolades

Various Smith Brothers innovations and general progress was recognised by multiple HVAC Industry Awards, including:

BESA Awards Distributor of the year – Finalist

Constructing Excellence 2023 – East Midlands Innovation of the year – Winner

Constructing Excellence 2023 – National Innovation of the year – Finalist

HVR Awards HVAC Initiative of the Year – Finalist

Construction Marketing Awards Best branding & positioning – Finalist

H&V News Training initiative of the year – Finalist

2024

Now we look to 2024 with plans firmly in place to continue our growth and progression. Whilst we cannot divulge too much information just yet, there is plenty to be excited about.

• New branches – Locations for additional branches have already been earmarked as we continue to focus on sustainable expansion
• ISO 14001 – Work is already underway to achieve this accreditation which focuses on enhancing Environmental Management Systems
• CORE – The range will continue to grow in 2024 with TRV, PRV and mini ball valves, strainers, expansion vessels and additional consumables due in Q1.
• Installer Show 2024 – Smith Brothers have committed to one of the largest stands at June’s Installer Show to showcase the business, including our own-brand and ACR offering to a wider audience