Interactive Timeline
1897
Smith Brothers is established by founder Walter Smith.
1902
Smith Brothers move from Saffron Lane to Aylestone Road which was occupied up until 2016. Blaby is now the location of Head Office.
1907
Smith Brothers becomes incorporated to Limited company.
1959
Postcodes were introduced and Sydney Smith gave the parent company the famous ‘wrong’ postcode of LE2 7PB. Wrong because it didn’t mirror the adjacent buildings, but instead his house located 900 yards away. The incorrect postcode looked set to stand the test of time until 2019 when it was changed to LE2 7QJ.
1978
Smith Brothers expand Leicester by purchasing units on adjacent road, Batten Street.
1980
SBS decide to expand for the first time opening a branch in Northampton.
1989
SBS begin recording details on a computer system starting the move away from paper based routine.
1998
Logo is redesigned to incorporate our yellow diamond which is still present today.
2004
SBS completes the purchase of Apex Ltd in Peterborough giving better coverage with distribution available across the East of England.
2006
The previously acquired company Apex changes its name to SBS and joins the expanding branch network. SBS opens at Oldham servicing the Lancashire & North West area.
2007
SBS Leeds opened in 2007, taking the network of branches up to five.
2008
SBS opens its 6th Branch based in Smethwick which is well placed to service the Birmingham & West Midlands region. 2008 also sees the launch of SBS on the web.
2009
SBS open its 7th Branch which is based in Thurrock and the Leeds branch relocates, moving to a brand new purpose built 22,000 sq ft unit.
2011
In February, SBS Bristol opens for business, which can service the South West. Leeds has six figure investment covering their roof in 200+ solar panels generating annual yields nearing 50,000 kWh.
2012
Southampton becomes the most southern branch situated in Eastleigh. The new redesigned website is launched along with the new circular logo. Partnership with MEP (Hirestation) is announced to assist customers with tool hire.
2013
SBS transport becomes FORS accredited across the national network demonstrating the commitment to safety and the environment. Parented WRAS approved Aquatechnik multilayer system comes exclusively to SBS giving a great alternative to traditional steel or copper. Tool hire through HireStation can now be ordered online through www.sbs.hirestation.co.uk.
2015
A New I.T system is launched to help with all aspects of the business from sales through to accounts. After 18 months of bespoke development and 6 months of staff training, the move set the next level of foundation and demonstrated our desire to constantly adapt for the needs of our customers.
2016
New branches, Heathrow, Cardiff & Merseyside open taking the expansion to 12 branches over two countries. SBS Leicester, Bristol and HQ relocate to larger and more modern premises. SBS brings Isotubi's 316L Stainless Press-Fit system to the UK up to 108mm.
2017
SBS transport get upgraded to the silver standard FORS accreditation. The Hiab crane is improved on the HGV/LGV giving greater lifting capacity.
2018
The most northern branch to date is opened in Gateshead, Newcastle, along with a tube distribution centre in Birmingham. Smith Brothers wins the coveted award of Wholsesaler/Distributor of the Year at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London.
2019
SBS takes on another country expanding its sales force in to Northern Ireland. Relocations happen at Birmingham, Oldham and Thurrock to larger premises due to growth. Smith Brothers are included in The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250, are included in the Leicester version of Monopoly and climb to 51st in the Top 200 Companies in Leicestershire.
2020
Smith Brothers remained open to support supply to critical sectors during the national lockdown and retained the HVR Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year award for the third year running. SBS opens a branch in Glasgow, increasing coverage across England, Wales and now, Scotland.