Category: Troy insights

Troy (UK) is pleased to announce their collaboration with market-leading Netherlands & Belgium based data management firm, EZ-base. This exciting new joint venture will bring significant benefits to the UK, with Troy members and suppliers positioned at the front of the queue for this much needed, affordable, online product data system.

About Troy (UK)
Troy UK, prides itself on providing business services and solutions for its member distributors operating within the industrial supplies and tooling market. Having originated as a buying group, Troy UK has grown to become the largest in its marketplace, having more than £1.1b collective group trading power with more than 400 suppliers and 350 members.

About EZ-base
Over their 15 years’ worth of experience, EZ-base has successfully built a digital ‘data-bridge’ between many suppliers and distributors from a range of countries and industries.  Their up-to-the-minute technology acquires, refines and standardises product data to ensure accuracy, consistency and brand integrity, with seamless updates continuing as and when released.

New EZ-base (UK)
The new sophisticated, secure, information warehouse – EZ-base is now ready to store and process suppliers’ product data within the UK market.  Access to this data, will assist members to trade on-line efficiently, with ease, saving valuable time and money.  Required information will be extractable in a universal format, ready for uploading to ANY established or new online store.  And the benefits won’t stop there, as the EZ-base technology will be able to assist in creating databases, online and printed promotional material and more

Suppliers Jump on Board
A number of astute suppliers are keen to work with EZ-base, immediately seeing the value of being able to control the quality and reliability of their data being used by countless retailers in the public domain.  Those already involved have been incredibly receptive – and it is clear that this solution is quickly being recognised as a must-have for any respected businesses. 

Future Partnership
The collective expertise and industry knowledge that the Troy (UK) and EZ-base partnership offers will ensure customers receive the best service in the business.

“There’s no doubt that online trading is a priority for the Troy group, especially with the recent pandemic having a negative impact on sales in physical stores.  EZ-base will assist ecommerce by acting as a fundamental conduit between distributors and suppliers, with great benefits to be had on both sides.  Everyone involved has been working incredibly hard and we’re excited to see this key ‘game-changer’ project come to fruition, ready for the next chapter in digital trading”
Gareth Thomas, EZ-base Managing Director (UK)

“I think we both realise that this is an important step for the further development of digital channels and digital information supply in hardware and tools industry in Great Britain.  I look forward to a constructive and successful relationship in the coming years.”
Ron van den Bosch, CEO of EZ-base

In the coming weeks, the EZ-base team will be contacting Troy members and suppliers to discuss the fantastic benefits on offer.  However, to find out more in the meantime, please email info@ez-base.co.uk. 

For further information please visit the dedicated EZ-base website www.ez-base.co.uk.

For more details about Troy (UK) please visit www.troyuk.co.uk.

Paul Kilbride, CEO of the Troy Group, has signed to sponsor local rugby union club and premiership title winners, Exeter Chiefs, this season. 
Paul is a long term supporter of the team and this sponsorship deal on behalf of Troy celebrates a major milestone, his 10 year ownership anniversary as CEO of Troy, coinciding with the Chiefs’ 10 years competing in the Aviva premiership.  

Both organisations have enjoyed great success over the last ten years, equally starting from relatively humble beginnings and sharing ambitions for future achievement.

Troy provides business services and solutions for its membership, which is made up of independent SME industrial supplies and tooling distributors, to enable them to compete with the major national tooling chains.

Since Paul’s succession 10 years ago Troy UK has grown to become the largest in its marketplace, having more than £1.1b collective group trading power with more than 400 suppliers and 350 members.

Sports ethics and competitive drive play a large part in Troy’s culture.  Its accomplishments are the result of team work, identifying individuals’ core skills and maximising that to the collective advantage of the team in order to succeed – as well as professionalism, focus and commitment.

Paul has sponsored a number of sporting events and clubs, including the Tug of War at the Drumnadrochit Highland Games, a charitable donation for competing in the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara, Peter Dumbreck Professional British Racing Driver as well as supporting a local under 16’s football team Central AC, and now Exeter Chiefs. Not only this but Troy hosts its annual TMB show at the home of British Formula 1, Silverstone, reflecting their aim for the elite standard.

Nurturing Young Local Talent

Both organisations value their local talent and seek to develop and retain their top performers.  Star players like Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jack Nowell & Sam Hill have developed to the highest level at the Chiefs, progressing from academy level to international standard and remain loyal to the club.

Paul’s sons, Alex & Oz, who are both Chief’s academy alumni, have successfully completed Troy’s trainee management scheme.   They and other Troy employees are set to rise through the ranks and become the stars of the future.  Troy prides itself on being a family business, supporting other family businesses.  This sentiment extends across its staff team creating a friendly and tight-knit environment, making it one of the top companies to work for in the country.

“My family and I are huge rugby fans so I’m delighted to be able to sponsor the Chiefs which we’ve supported and held season tickets with for many years.  Troy and the Exeter Chiefs share many of the same values – competitive, passionate, team focused and continued investment in home-grown talent.  I see my sponsorship as a fantastic boost for Troy.  Being affiliated with such a successful local sports club that is recognised nationally, and representing everything that Troy stands for, offers great brand awareness.  The Exeter Chiefs have proven that from humble beginnings it is possible to compete and win at the top level by developing local talent and creating the right culture”.  Paul Kilbride, Troy Group CEO

Going over & above to support inspirational young woman’s dream career. 

Steve Heanaghan, Business Development Manager at Troy, was working at home one evening when by chance a story on the local ITV news caught his attention.

The appeal revealed how Samantha Bradbury, aged 23 from Leicestershire, had been born with Bloom Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that had impaired her growth.  Despite setbacks growing up, she was completing her studies at college with her heart firmly set on a career as a roadie, building sets and stages for concerts and events.  Due to Samantha’s condition she only took size 1 in a shoe and struggled to find the safety footwear required for workplace Health & Safety regulations. 

Both inspired and moved by Samantha’s plight, Steve immediately sent off an email to Central News at ITV explaining his connections within the Troy group PPE supply chain and his wish to help.  Some time later, he received an email from Central news correspondent, Philip Brewster, who was delighted with the offer and got in touch with Samantha and her mother to share the fantastic news.

“Seeing someone as inspiring and driven as Samantha on the television spurred me on to get involved.  More businesses than ever are trying to enable and encourage people of all abilities, and in this case sizes, into the workplace and as PPE products are required by law, stories like this highlight the need for suppliers to expand their ranges outside the norm.” Steve said.

Watch the full ITV segment video here by clicking on the image above

After consulting with his colleagues at Troy Steve began contacting the group’s various PPE suppliers and soon a flurry of solutions came in.  However, he struck gold when Larry Bate from Portwest, global PPE manufacturing company, got in touch, already having the size required within their safety shoe collection.

“I’m delighted.  Several of our loyal PPE Suppliers came forward quickly looking to help with appropriate sizing for Samantha. However, Larry at Portwest really came up trumps.  He offered her not only a choice of five different styles, but two pairs absolutely free.  It’s a true demonstration of the kindness of strangers”.

Within weeks, the infamous work shoes were delivered by Steve himself who was keen to finally meet Samantha. 

When trying on the shoes Samantha said, “I don’t have any words at this point, I’m just so happy.  I feel like I’ve been waiting my entire life for this, it’s definitely a happy, happy day … it means I can get the jobs anyone else can.  There’s no stopping me now”.

Samantha’s Mum, Fiona Bradbury, became overwhelmed with emotion.  “Throughout her life she’s had hurdles … a big heartfelt thank you to everybody, it means the world.

Everyone at Troy wishes Samantha all the best in her future career and would like to thank Larry and the team at Portwest, who made it possible for Samantha to follow her dreams.  As Marilyn Monroe once famously said, “give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world” and we are sure that Samantha will do just that.

If you have an enquiry for an item of PPE or any other product outside of a normal range, please contact your designated Business Development Manager who is always on hand to help.  Their many years of experience and vast connections within the Troy supply chain mean they can often get difficult to source products quickly #strongertogether

We are delighted to announce that we have successfully achieved the ISO 14001 2015 Environmental Accreditation, which includes Troy UK Exeter Ltd and the Barnstaple & Rotherham sites.  As a result, this commits us to all environmental legal requirements & compliance obligations.

As a Group, we always strive for excellence and this certification demonstrates our pledge to improving the quality of our products and services, with the environment in mind.  This will undoubtedly benefit our Members, their customers, and our Suppliers too, which is always our main objective.

“The Environmental certification is a further addition to the existing ISO 9001 2015 Quality standard portfolio. This underpins the Troy Group’s determination to be known throughout the Industrial & Engineering marketplace for quality, accountability, service, and for having ethical & honourable values.” John Evans, Troy Group Quality Manager.

On the 18^th October, a staff afternoon was held at Exeter Sky Park Offices for all Troy/THS employees from Barnstaple, Rotherham and Exeter branches.  The afternoon kicked off with various presentations outlining group strategy led by CEO Paul Kilbride giving an overview of goals, objectives and reflection on the groups’ journey so far. This was followed by an I.T overview, Business Development / Sales update, Marketing and finally a word from our new HR department.

The day provided the perfect environment for staff from different sites to network and get to know each other better. Once the presentations concluded the whole team enjoyed a buffet of BBQ’d meats, salads and sides, pool tournament and games.

A few colleagues continued out into the nightlife of Exeter where a wonderful evening was had drinking cocktails at Dr Inks on Exeter Quayside!

A huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone that donated towards the the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine at the TMB Gala Dinner.  All funds raised will go direct to the British Red Cross appeal to support those affected. 

Messages are currently being sent out to everyone that pledged on the night, as a reminder to complete donations via our GoFundMe page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tmb2022

Thank you so much for your generosity – we will be announcing the full figure raised very soon,  #strongertogether

The UK Government through the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in conjunction with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has now published guidance on the use of the UKCA mark. 

The guidance published by the Dept. relates 17 items of “EU” originated legislation which are now adopted into “UK” legislation.

These Regulations and Directives cover a large range of manufactured goods which will move from the CE regime to the UKCA regime, PPE is one of the 17.

Because of the wide range of goods, the guidance published is “high level” and general in nature and does not at this stage answer all the detailed questions necessary to effect a successful migration. The PPE regulations are arguably more complex than many of the regulations included in the guidance. The Team at BSIF have endeavored to explain the changes in this link… 

A huge welcome to Forbes England, the new Welding Category Manager, at Troy.  He has already been busy partnering with existing and brand-new Troy suppliers and wholesalers of Welding products for the Membership. 

Forbes has 25-30 years’ experience in the welding sector and gained an accumulation of contacts in the welding world, both in manufacturing and distribution.  With his wealth of insight he understands all areas of the business at Troy – Members, End Users and Suppliers. 

We recently received the below question and put it to Forbes:

The global welding market is a 14.5Bn USD market right now, how do your welding suppliers see the shift from Oil & Gas (Every pipes welded at some point! ) to renewable industries affecting their product ranges?

Forbes asked one of his contacts who doesn’t wish to be named – although we can however state that this came from one of the Worlds largest welding and consumable manufacturers – this is what they have said:-

Fundamentally there are significant opportunities available to pursue in respect of the offshore wind segment for which we are developing new solutions & products to meet some of the exacting requirements.

Of course there are product & solution overlaps between the Oil & Gas and Renewable energy segments, but to some extent it depends on who & how they are being defined, for instance the EU has recently started to include gas as being ‘green’ in addition to nuclear!

So long as we continue to ‘weld’ metals we have a bright future !

Forbes will be reaching out to Members about developments in the coming weeks and months via the usual channels; marketing emails, the website, social Media and the Member magazine, Troy News. In the meantime, if you are interested in anything welding related, please email him at forbes.england@troyuk.co.uk.

For more information on Forbes and how he can help your business, please see page 4 of the Winter 2022 issue of Troy News found in the publications area of the website …