Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Builders and timber merchant chain Jewson are supporting this year’s National Maintenance Week in a bid to boost repair and maintenance business for their builder and timber customers.
The aim of National Maintenance Week (Nov 21 – 28), run by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), to is to provide homeowners throughout the UK with practical tips and advice on preparing their properties for winter. For 2008, the Jewson-led campaign for builders will provide advice on how they can provide a focused and professional maintenance service to gain extra business.
Builders will be able to pick up a comprehensive checklist, which has been prepared exclusively for Jewson customers by building surveyor-turned-TV presenter Marianne Suhr of BBC’s popular Restoration programme, in all of Jewson’s 500 branches. The checklist covers how to make the most out of maintenance and how those in the trade can design and market their own ‘property MOTs’.
Suhr says: “Location, location, location, used to be the rally cry when it came to property, but this year we want people to think ‘maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.’ For most people, property is their most valuable asset so it makes sense to ensure that it’s looked after in order for it to retain optimum value.
“The checklist I’ve prepared exclusively for Jewson’s customers aims to highlight ways in which builders can adapt their business offering, provide an additional service and make the most out the current economic climate.”
Jewson marketing director Lindsey Walker, says: “National Maintenance Week is not only an ideal opportunity to make builders aware of how they can effectively provide their customers with an additional service, but it’s also important for homeowners to know the benefits they can achieve as a result of taking basic maintenance seriously. Whilst activity within the building sector has slowed down, it is important that all homeowners take adequate care of their property.”
As part of the merchant’s support for the week, Jewson customers will have exclusive access to a dedicated maintenance helpline on Monday 24 November. Manned by architects and building surveyors, SPAB’s specialist team will be on hand to provide advice and answer any maintenance question.
National Maintenance Week concludes with National Gutters Day on Friday 28 November, which aims to remind property owners that just a few minutes spent clearing weeds and debris, or just a few pounds spent to mend a leaky gutter, can save many hundreds, and possibly thousands of pounds long term.
