Timber Merchants & Building Supplies For Sale

Business description

Timber Merchants & Building Supplies Over 60 Years Trading History

Established in 1948, this independent timber and builders merchants supplies local builders, councils, schools and private customers. The business supplies an enormous selection of items, and has gained an excellent reputation for obtaining scarce and unusual supplies from specialist suppliers and manufacturers.

This one stop shop provides an extensive range of timber and building supplies, paints and decorating materials plus a wide range of tools.

Operating from the South London, Surrey borders the business has many long-term loyal customers and long standing accounts with building and contractor firms, plus numerous corporate accounts. Currently the revenue stream is split approximately 75% trade/corporate accounts and 25% retail.

The location is within easy access of London, attracting lots of local customers plus many from across the South East. A reliable and efficient, often same day, delivery service is also available for customers convenience, using the businesses own vehicles and staff.

This opportunity represents an independent, established, well run business with plenty of scope for further growth for the new owner.


Equipment:

Stock is held on site, with extensive display of key products. There is a integrated telephone system, and a trade counter with a cash register with credit-card payment facilities. Additional equipment includes a large panel saw and a diesel fork-lift truck. Deliveries are made 7.5 tonne Isuzu flat-bed lorry with Hiab crane and a Van.

Customer Service:

Customer care and great personal service are the bedrock of this company. Customers receive advice on projects and cost effectiveness, based on many years of experience.

This business is large enough to offer unrivalled choice, yet small enough to care for every customer. Products are stocked on site so the business can offer flexibility of supply with a huge range of goods to hand at all times.

Key Strengths:

The long established history of the business is a great asset, as is the on-going client base, which has presented a great stability to revenues. The location permits easy access to a heavily populated geographical area with limited direct competition from independent retailers. The business offers flexibility of supply and delivery that has resulted in the excellent reputation the business and trade name has developed over the years, and offers an excellent platform on which to expand.

Financial Information:

The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.

Turnover is circa £450,000, with stock of circa £80,000.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold

Business Operation

Expansion potential:

The business holds an operators license for 3 HGV’s, and only 1 of these licenses is currently being used. New products could be included to the already wide range of items on offer, plus by installing a full dust extraction system the timber cutting services could be greatly expanded. Developing a corporate website with full e-commerce facilities could greatly increase trade from the retail side of the operation.

Competition / Market:

Minimal advertising has been undertaken in recent years, mainly free telephone listings in directories. The business already receives high levels of ‘word of mouth’ recommendations, which attracts many returning customers and new referrals. Undertaking a defined advertising and marketing strategy, the business could easily gain additional new customers, both trade and retail. The infrastructure of the business is set up to manage any further growth.

Reasons for selling:

Genuine retirement for the owner, following approximately 60 successful years of trading.

Trading hours:

Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00

Employees:

The vendor is responsible for all day-to-day operations, business administration and general management and is fully supported by a full-time assistant manager and yard manager. A delivery driver currently works 3 days per week and there are 2 part-time retail assistants. The business also employs a bookkeeper, who is on site 1 day per week.

Years established:

1948

Other information

Support & training:

The vendor assisted by key members of staff are agreeable to a period of handover to ensure the successful transition to new ownership.