Smith Brothers (Leicester) Limited (SBL) was originally founded in 1897 and has a collection of companies operating within its structure, with SBS Ltd being one of them. Throughout its history it has maintained family ownership status under the total control of family members and an independent Chief Executive.
Smith Brothers is established by founder Walter Smith.
The company moves from Saffron Lane to Aylestone Road, which was occupied up until 2016.
Smith Brothers becomes incorporated to a limited company.
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 stood the test of time until 2019 when it was changed to LE2 7QJ.
SBS expand Leicester by purchasing units on adjacent road, Batten Street.
Smith Brothers decide to expand for the first time opening a branch in Northampton. The branch later relocated to the unit in the picture after the previous unit had history of flooding.
The company begin recording details on a computer system starting the move away from the paper-based routine.
Logo is redesigned to incorporate our yellow diamond which is still present today.
The company completes the purchase of Apex Ltd in Peterborough giving better coverage with distribution available across the East of England.
The previously acquired company Apex changes its name to SBS and joins the expanding branch network. The company opens at Oldham servicing Lancashire & North West area.
Shortly after the Oldham branch, SBS Leeds followed in 2007 taking the network of branches up to five.
The 6th depot to open is based in Smethwick which well placed to service the Birmingham & the West Midlands region. 2008 also sees the launch of SBS on the web.
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.
SBS Bristol opens for business, which can service the South West. Leeds have six figure investment covering their roof in 200+ solar panels generating annual yields nearing 50,000 kWh.
Southampton becomes the most southern branch situated in Eastleigh. The new redesigned website is launched along with a new circular logo. Partnership with MEP (Hirestation) is announced to assist customers with tool hire.
SBS transport becomes FORS accredited across the national network demonstrating the commitment to safety and the environment. Patented 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: www.sbs.hirestation.co.uk.
New I.T. system is launched to help with all aspects of the business from sales through to accounts. The move sets the next level of foundation and shows our desire to constantly adapt for the needs of our customers.
New branches Heathrow, Cardiff & Merseyside open taking the expansion to 12 branches over two countries. SBS Leicester, Bristol and Head Office also relocate to larger and more modern premises. Smith Brothers brings Isotubi, 316L Stainless Press-Fit system to the UK up to 108mm.
SBS transport gets upgraded to the silver standard FORS accreditation. The hiab crane is improved on the HGV/LGV giving greater lifting capacity.
The expansion continues with an additional branch in Gateshead, Newcastle. Smith Brothers wins the coveted award of Wholsesaler/Distributor of the Year during the HVR Awards at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel.
SBS expands its sales force into Northern Ireland and relocations take place in Birmingham, Oldham and Thurrock to satisfy increased demand. SBS are included in The Sunday Times Top Track 250, the Leicester version of Monopoly and climbed to 51st place in the Top 200 Companies in Leicestershire.
Smith Brothers’ first Scottish branch opens in Glasgow in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and Southampton relocates to a modern 25,000 sq. ft. premises. SBS retains the HVR Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year award for the third year running and are also featured in the London Stock Exchange’s Top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020.
New trading locations open in Sheffield and High Wycombe. Smith Brothers was named in the East Midlands Top 500 companies and the Leading Lights 2021. The business also began its transition from disel cars to electric and hybrid.
SBS Cambridge opens in January taking the total number of trading locations to 17. The portal allows existing customers to place orders online 24/7, taking the SBS service to the next level.