Frank Key make a century

More than 800 people turned out for an evening’s celebrations to mark 100 year’s of trading for Nottingham-based builders Merchants Frank Key.

The company organised a golf day at Mapperley Golf Club followed by an evening function which culminated in a firework display. The centenary celebrations were to thank the company’s customers and suppliers for their support.

Managing director Robert Sansom said, “It was a chance to thank loyal customers who have supported the company over the past 100 years and helped to make us one of the leading independents in the East Midlands.

“Frank Key has always been a family business and we are very proud of the fact that we have not just held our own against the major national companies, we have grown the business significantly since the mid-90s.”

This expansion includes a landscaping centre, which opened in Woodborough in April 2006, and a dedicated kitchen and bathroom showroom in January at its Daybrook site.

Mr Sansom continued, “It’s possibly true to say that we were even more bothered about ‘sheds’ than the nationals but we faced up to the competition and treated the situation as an opportunity rather than a threat.

“I believe there is now a much larger customer base for all of us to work with and by sharpening up on the way we do business and ensuring that we offer unparalleled levels of service, we have put ourselves into a position where we can look to the future with confidence.”

The company attributes a large part of its success to the National Buying Group, which has allowed it to remain competitive.