Building supplies outlet opens following £250,000 investment

A former world boxing champion added his weight to the opening of a new building supplies branch in Sheffield, creating new jobs following a £250,000 refurbishment and rebrand.

The Nunnery Drive branch of Frank Key Building Supplies in Park Hill has undergone a complete internal and external refit.

Carl Froch, a former super-middleweight world champion, joined Terry Fox, Councillor for Sheffield’s Manor Castle ward, at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Chris Cunliffe, Chairman of Frank Key Group, said: “Our Sheffield branch is the standard on which all future Frank Key Building Supplies branches will be modelled.

“We have consolidated everything under one roof so our trade and retail customers can find what they need, when they need it. Customers will also notice a fresh, clean environment, increased stock levels, new ranges of everything from electricals and plumbing to paints and general building supplies, plus our new Plant and Tool Hire offer.

“We’re delighted to welcome Carl Froch as our guest of honour. He’s a regular at our flagship branch in Nottingham. It’s a pleasure to have him on board to officially open our Sheffield branch.

“Local people might recognise the site as the former Builders Centre, which Frank Key Group acquired not long ago. After careful planning, it is the right time for us to launch the Frank Key brand and offer in Sheffield to serve the local community, businesses and tradespeople with our great range of products at really competitive prices.”

Three new full-time jobs have been created with the launch of Frank Key in Sheffield. In the next 12-18 months, the builders’ merchant predicts up to 12 roles will be created.

Frank Key Group started life in 1907 from Daybrook in Nottingham. It has now expanded into a regional group operating across the Midlands, Lancashire and Yorkshire, with five building supplies branches and 15 plant and tool hire depots.

Councillor Fox said: “Frank Key’s branch refit in this part of Sheffield is excellent news, with new jobs and new investment providing bigger and better services for local tradesmen and the wider community. It’s welcome inward investment in my ward and I wish the business every success.”

Froch, who is now a boxing commentator and pundit, said: “I’m always in my local Frank Key branch, especially since retiring! I’m delighted to support the launch of the new branch in Sheffield and wish the company all the best for future expansion.”