Arson-struck Jewson Civils helps with Covid-19 projects

Less than two years after it was nearly destroyed by arsonists, the Leeds branch of Jewson Civils Frazer has been rebuilt and is helping with essential projects across the region, providing materials for essential repair and maintenance and more broadly for Essential projects including the Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate, Sunderland Hospital, and other projects all over the North East.

Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident at the Leeds Lake Terrace branch, which was captured on CCTV cameras, leading to the apprehension, trial and imprisonment of the culprits.

Branch manager at the time, Phil Robinson, says his initial feelings of horror, anger and sadness were subsequently replaced by hope, belief and pride in Jewson and his branch team who, “endured initial hardship and uncertainty to turn a bad situation into a positive outcome.”

More than a third of the stock held at the branch was lost in the blaze. The remaining goods were shared between two neighbouring Jewson branches as were the personnel. Robinson says, “Sadly we had to split our workforce up in order to carry on servicing our customers, many of whom were very upset at the attack on what they saw as a much valued trading partner whom they had relied on over the years.”

From initially working in portacabins, to now operating from brand new premises at the same location, the team relaunched the branch as specialist distributor, Jewson Civils Frazer, and now focuses on the supply of civils and utilities solutions to the building sector.

Jewson Civils Frazer sales director, Nick Boyle, says: “It truly is a tale of triumph over adversity. We value all our employees and trust them to do the right thing. But when something like this happens we are reminded of their outstanding professionalism and resilience.”

Robinson adds: “It’s great that we’ve been back working together over the past few months and, hopefully, making a difference to the everyday lives of our customers.”