John Nicholls to close Stratford branch

Independent builders merchant John Nicholls is to close its Stratford plumbing and heating branch from September 1, in order to better focus on developing the rest of the business.

Managing director David Hebdon told buildersmerchantsjournal.net that the decision is a purely commercial one and will allow the company to refocus the resources in a new area which will better serve the developing needs of the business.

“We are coming out of the worst 18 months we have ever known and we want to be gearing the business up to expand now, in good time for when the recovery really takes hold. As a result, we can’t afford to carry any part of the business that isn’t completely right,” he said.

The medium and long term plans for the company include the expansion of current branches and the launch of new branches in the Midlands area.

“We have started developing plans for another location, somewhere that we know will work well for us and be a better use of resources. Somewhere we believe there is a gap in the market for a good independent merchant to be successful.”

Hebdon reported that July was the best month for the company since October 2008 and that the first quarter has been exceptionally strong. “This has given us the confidence to start looking investment.”

Customers in the Stratford area will continue to be served by Nicholls’ Rugby and Banbury branches.