Birmingham chosen to trial new building supplies concept
A new concept in the building supplies sector is being pioneered in Birmingham.
BUILT/ took 29,510 sq ft of trade counter space at two units in Bourne Road in Aston on a 10-year lease last year.
The firm, which is being supported by a leading industry player, is offering tradespeople a ‘click and collect’ service in which they can drive through the unit to collect their purchases, having ordered ahead online.
BUILT/ believes the service will improve business efficiency by allowing tradespeople to collect their supplies at a time that suits them, as well as the convenience of having their orders ready for loading as soon as they arrive.
Customers can also buy materials direct from their van window too, while BUILT/ is looking to round out its service by offering scheduled deliveries direct to site.
In addition to Birmingham, the company s hoping to draw trade from other areas including Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Tamworth and the Black Country.
The company’s online booking system generates reliable delivery slots, calculated on capacity and average drive-time. The system even recognises a particular vehicle and directs customers straight to the bay where their order is waiting.
Nick Thomas, managing director of BUILT/, said: “We’re really excited to see our first builders’ warehouse up and running in Aston.
“Our click and collect service means tradespeople can order what they need online, drive to the warehouse to pick it up from as early as 6am and have a van-load of materials loaded in minutes – getting them back to site quickly and saving them valuable time.”
The centre will have thousands of products in store at any one time to ensure availability.
Products include staple building materials, electrical goods and plumbing and heating supplies, plus kitchen and bathroom products, painting and decorating items, and tools, fixings and equipment – including workwear and PPE.
The concept could be rolled out to other areas should it prove to be successful.
