It was in early 2020 that Bell Plumbing Supplies took a further step forward with the opening of its new Worcester branch. This became the latest addition to the distribution network of the highly successful West Midlands plumbing and heating merchant. Since 2007 the company has established nine branches throughout the region, underlining the aim of bringing truly convenient local services to the trade and general public.
The Worcester catchment area was recognised as one of great potential, with its good mixture of property types from smaller urban properties to country homes. Bell Plumbing Supplies set out to provide what no other independent organisation in its field was offering locally, in terms of depth and range of stocked products, trade counter and delivery services, a showroom facility and product training opportunities – all supported by a strong central organisation and highly knowledgeable staff for whom expert advice, good customer communication and courteous service are core values.
Based at Unit 8, Great Western Business Park in Worcester, the modern premises retain some of the local heritage with an original outside wall dating from the bygone era of the local railway industry. But it is inside where the facilities are really impressive and from the outset the interior was planned to ensure the best experience for customers and staff.
There is a large welcoming reception area and trade counter which is open six days a week. An adjoining open plan office is the hub for business administration, customer service and technical staff who provide customers with face to face product support as well as telephone and online advice.
The branch’s location is proving particularly advantageous in attracting passing trade from the busy business park and the warehouse has a good core stock of products that meet the day-to-day needs of installers and the public. Many customers also take advantage of fast and reliable same or next-day delivery services.
The dedicated showroom, meeting and training areas on the first floor are proving particularly popular and regularly welcome visitors for planned events or individual consultations. Customers can familiarise themselves with Bell Plumbing Supplies’ full product portfolio. Two of the highlights reflect the Worcester branch’s commitment to offering the latest eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions in response to the changing face of the market.
Heat pumps and renewables are showcased in the highly informative Daikin Sustainable Home Centre and a further exciting addition to the space is Unico System’s versatile all-in-one heating, cooling, ventilation and air filtration system. Bell Plumbing Supplies is Unico’s principal UK distribution partner and receives comprehensive technical and sales support across the whole branch network.
Unico’s presence at Worcester includes a fully functional system, so visitors can experience first-hand the comfort benefits and impressive performance of SDHV Small Duct High Velocity heating and cooling. The system also provides climate control to the ground floor trade counter area of the Worcester branch, helping to create a welcoming indoor environment for visitors as well as comfortable working conditions for staff.
Paul Stevens, Unico System’s Technical Sales Trainer and Support Engineer, is in close contact with Branch Manager Liam Mulryan, providing technical and sales support, and arranging customer events and product demonstrations. Customised product training courses are also arranged at the fully equipped, state-of-the-art Stourbridge Training Centre.
“There are high levels of interest from local installers and homeowners in the Unico System, especially with next year’s ban on gas boilers in new homes and the need to address overheating in new residential properties. Bell Plumbing Supplies is fully trained in our systems and can offer customers a new and different environmentally friendly solution,” says Paul.
One of the strengths of the Bell Plumbing Supplies organisation is the support that branches receive from the company’s dedicated Solutions team based at Stourbridge. Solutions can appraise potential installations, giving customers impartial, expert advice on the suitability of any products under consideration. This is particularly valuable when some of the less familiar heating and air conditioning technologies, including heat pumps and Unico SDHV, are being assessed.
The Worcester operation under Liam and the team has gone from strength to strength over the last four years, exceeding expectations. Much of the hard yardage has been done in terms of establishing the branch, but there is more to come. “We’ll continue to offer installers, homeowners and self-builders hands-on, professional service. We never stand still and aim to set standards to which other suppliers aspire,” says Liam.
