The business has transitioned significantly from manufacturing boilers for the shipping industry to furnishing hundreds of mills built within Leicester and assisting with the war efforts before focussing predominantly on piping and HVAC supplies as the market grew in the 1960s.
Today, SBS remains family-owned, with 5th generation family members working within the business, which now consists of multiple branches in England, Scotland and Wales with 500+ members of staff. They have remained focused on our brand promise of staff, stock and service, ensuring the customers are at the forefront of every decision whilst investing in quality.
1st Generation
Walter Smith
2nd Generation
Sydney Smith
3rd Generation
John Smith
Smith Brothers Stores has a long and cherished history dating back to the 19th Century. Below is only a brief insight into the key developments that helped form the business it is today.
“The story starts back in 1897 with a certain Walter Smith…”
SBS History
1897
1897
The Story Begins
Smith Brothers is established by founder Walter Smith.
1902
1902
The First Move
Smith Brothers moved from Saffron Lane to Aylestone Road, where the premises remained occupied until 2016.
1907
1907
Limited Company
Smith Brothers becomes a limited company.
1908
1908
Expanding product portfolio
Walter Smith would utilise his entrepreneurial prowess to invest in and expand the Smith Brothers’ product portfolio, including dust extraction, fans, and tooling.
1913
1913
First Testimonial
Our first recorded customer testimonial dates back to 1913 from a satisfied client.
1918
1918
Becoming a family business
Sydney Smith, son of founder Walter, joins the business – marking the first steps toward becoming a true family company.
1937
1937
Assisting with the War Efforts
The railings outside the Batten Street premises were scrapped to support military steel supplies during wartime. The business also supplied air raid shelters for both domestic and industrial use.
1959
1959
Postcodes introduced
Sydney Smith gave the company the famous ‘wrong’ postcode of LE2 7PB. It was considered “wrong” because it didn’t match the buildings, but instead his house, 900 yards away. The postcode remained in use until 2019, when it changed to LE2 7QJ.
1978
1978
Expansion of Leicester
Smith Brothers expand Leicester by purchasing units on adjacent road, Batten Street.
1980
1980
Northampton – 2nd Branch
SBS expands for the first time by opening a branch in Northampton. The branch later relocated to the unit in the picture after the previous unit had a history of flooding.
1989
1989
Computers
The company begins recording details on a computer system, starting the move away from the paper-based routine.
1998
1998
Rebrand
The logo is redesigned to incorporate our yellow diamond, which remains as a key element today.
2004
2004
Acquisition of Peterborough – 3rd Branch
SBS completes the purchase of Apex Ltd in Peterborough, enhancing coverage and distribution across the East of England.
2006
2006
Rebrand of Peterborough and opening of Oldham – 4th Branch
The previously acquired company, Apex, is rebranded as SBS and joins the expanding branch network. SBS opens a branch at Oldham to service the Lancashire & North West area.
2007
2007
Leeds – 5th Branch
Shortly after the branch opening in Oldham, SBS Leeds followed in 2007, taking the network of branches up to five.
2008
2008
Birmingham – 6th Branch and SBS now online
SBS opens its 6th Branch based in Smethwick, strategically positioned to serve the Birmingham & West Midlands region. 2008 also marks the launch of SBS online.
2009
2009
Rainham – 7th Branch and Leeds relocates
SBS open its 7th Branch, which is based in Thurrock and SBS Leeds relocates to a brand new, purpose built 22,000 sq ft unit.
2011
2011
Bristol – 8th branch
SBS Bristol opens for business, expanding the service coverage across the South West. SBS Leeds completes a six-figure investment, installing over 200 solar panels on its roof and generating nearly 50,000 kWh annually.
2012
2012
Southampton – 9th branch
Southampton opens as the southernmost branch, located in Eastleigh. A newly redesigned website launches alongside a refreshed circular logo. A partnership with MEP (HireStation) is announced to support customers with tool hire services.
2013
2013
Vehicles become FORS Accredited
SBS transport achieves FORS accreditation, showing our commitment to safety and the environment. The WRAS-approved Aquatechnik MLCP system becomes available exclusively through SBS. HireStation tool hire is now available online at www.sbs.hirestation.co.uk.
2015
2015
New I.T. system is launched
A new I.T. system is launched, supporting all areas of the business, from sales to accounts. The move lays the next level of foundation and reflects our commitment to continually adapting to meet customer needs.
2016
2016
Heathrow, Cardiff and Merseyside – 10th, 11th and 12th branch
Branches open in Heathrow, Cardiff & Merseyside. Leicester, Bristol and Head Office relocate to larger premises. SBS also introduces Isotubi’s 316L Stainless Press-Fit system, in sizes up to 168.3mm.
2017
2017
FORS Accreditation gets upgraded
SBS transport upgrades to Silver FORS accreditation, and the hiab crane is improved on the HGV/LGV, allowing greater lifting capacity.
2018
2018
Newcastle – 13th Branch
A new branch opens in Gateshead, Newcastle, and the previous slogan, “Service & Value since…1897”, is replaced with “Staff, Stock, Service”, a promise that remains in use to this day.
2019
2019
Relocations
SBS expands its sales force into Northern Ireland and relocates in Birmingham, Oldham and Thurrock. The company features in The Sunday Times Top Track 250, is included in the Leicester edition of Monopoly and is 51st in the Top 200 Companies in Leicestershire.
2020
2020
Glasgow – 14th branch
Our first Scottish branch opens, 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, and is featured in the London Stock Exchange’s Top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.
2021
2021
Sheffield and High Wycombe – 15th and 16th Branch
New locations open in Sheffield and High Wycombe. SBS is named among the East Midlands Top 500 Companies and the BMN’s Leading Lights 2021. We began our transition to electric and hybrid cars.
2022
2022
125th Anniversary
To celebrate our 125 year anniversary, a commemorative logo was introduced and used throughout the year.
2022
Cambridge – 17th Branch and online customer portal
SBS Cambridge opens, bringing the total number of trading locations to 17. A newly developed online portal allows customers to manage their accounts 24/7, elevating the SBS service to the next level.
2023
2023
Dundee, Exeter and Hull – 18th, 19th and 20th Branches
We continue to expand our network with new branches opening in Dundee, Exeter and Hull. We also achieved FORS Gold and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) certifications.
2023
Own-Brand Product Range
We launched our own-brand product range, CORE, and registered four UK trademarks to protect hundreds of product categories across 13 recognised classes.
2024
2024
Nottingham – 21st Branch and an additional distribution centre
A new branch opens in Nottingham, bringing our network to 21 locations. The business also achieves ISO 14001 Certification for Environmental Management Systems.
2025
2025
New National Distribution Centre and 1st Satellite Branch
Our National Distribution Centre relocates to a 75,000 sq.ft. unit, more than doubling our central warehousing capacity. We also open our first satellite branch in Aberdeen.