Kitchen & appliance company expanding due to lockdown growth

A surge in people spending on home improvements during the lockdown months has resulted in a massive growth in business sales for one Blackpool-based specialist kitchen company.

Suppliers of high-quality kitchens and appliances, Hibberd Distribution Ltd (HDL), has seen its highest sales on record during October, with November continuing the trend as the busiest month of the year.

To keep up with demand HDL, which operates from a 15,000 sq ft headquarters at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, has taken a further 32,000 sq ft warehouse at Squires Gate Industrial Estate and has employed a further six staff in the past two months at the Blackpool depot.

Now in its 21st year, the company distributes and imports kitchens and appliances such as Bosch, Hotpoint, Neff, Electrolux and Zanussi to the trade, house builders and direct to the public through its online shop, and has an additional 22,000 sq ft distribution unit in Middlesbrough, employing a total of 72 staff.

Managing director, Lee Mairs, said: “We are experiencing a big upturn in sales, driven in part by the general public that haven’t been able to travel this year and instead are spending their money on home improvements.

“As well as many new customers, we are taking on a range of new trade projects which all add to our growing business portfolio. The additional storage unit will help us to fulfil our orders in the short to medium term, with plans in place to build a new bespoke unit on the Enterprise Zone, hopefully within the next two years.”

He added: “It has been a frantic time for us, with all hands on deck to fulfil orders whilst coping with the extra pressures that social distancing has put on the business practice.

“Our staff in every department have been fantastic throughout this period, so we’d like to say a big thank you to them all for going the extra mile for our customers.”

Cllr Mark Smith, cabinet member for business, enterprise and job creation said: “I’m delighted to hear about a Blackpool business success story, especially in a time of national crisis when it is so difficult for us all.

“Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone has remained generally buoyant with a great many companies getting through this and doing well, despite the ongoing struggles we all face.”