Category: Uncategorised

We went out on the road to catch up with Troy Member of five years, Award-Winning Miles Tool & Machinery Centre (MTMV), in Yeovil, Somerset. Owner Michael Miles and his son Tom Miles shared some highlights of their journey over the years, and how their family business provides tooling solutions and great service for their customers….

How do you provide your customers with outstanding service that goes the extra mile?

“The business was started by my [Michaels] father back in 1970 and we are well known and established in the local community. We have an extensive range of products with a vast depth of stock and we pride ourselves as having extensive in-house product knowledge.
We have a fantastic onsite workshop where branded tools can be repaired – we are warranty and recommended repairers for several kajor suppliers including DeWALT, Makita, Metabo and Flex. If a local tradesman snaps off the drill bit in a chuck whilst in the middle of a job, they can pop into us and get it repaired on the spot.”

Why do customers choose to return to you?

“We have friendly and knowledgeable staff, which make you feel welcome when you enter the store. My [Michael’s] wife Sarah and children, Tom, Josie, and Davina all work for the business, along with a local team which has been with the company for many years – with some employees over 20 years service! We make a real effort to obtain products or accessories a customer is looking for, our customers have been coming here for years and we have watched their children and grandchildren grow into adults and come to Miles Tools for their merchandise too.”

How do you market yourselves?

“We promote via Google and social media (Facebook and Instagram) and have even recently posted on TikTok, We also product posters to advertise promotions and products and use local advertising for up to a 50 mile radius. We also have an annual show that is held in September each year at our site in Yeovil. That said many customers say they were recommended to us by existing customers – so word of mouth is also really effective”

Do you trade online?

“We have had an online site for 17 years which has been great for business. That said, we feel it’s vital to have a trade counter for customers to visit and have face to face conversations where we can provide full advice and support, this also enables customers to purchase appropriate accessories.”

Troy Members are UK family businesses, built up over generations, with proud histories offering unrivalled levels of customer service and instore technical product knowledge with access to over 400 suppliers and over 2000 brands – providing quality merchandise, at great value all from a local and trusted trader.

Keen to get the message out, Troy will be highlighting the benefits in buying from a Troy Member; being competitive on price, giving a professional tool shop experience and offering first class, after sales support from a familiar and friendly face.  It will be pushing the flexible approach to sales, that only an independent can offer, their wealth of local knowledge, and a mutual ethos of supporting other independent businesses in their communities too – which is vital for keeping the UK’s local economies growing.

#SupportIndependents

ATA Garryson Flexidiscs^® are designed for blending and finishing on curved and contoured surfaces. 

 Follow the link below to find out more about this unique range !

 → Link

The BIZ Summer promotion (called Summer Sensations) has just launched and will run from 1st August until 30th September. 
It has been created to support members with the products they need most as all businesses look to recover and get back to full productivity. 

The promotion covers a wide range of Power Tools, Power Tool Accessories, Lighting, Cable Reels, Ladders and much more. These are from high profile, market leading brands such as Makita, Batavia, Paslode, Evolution and Bosch and reflect the most commonly used tools, accessories and equipment used at this time of year. Many of the items are available in counter top displays which will boost ‘impulse purchases’ and help to increase till transaction values at a time where every additional sale counts! 

Customers of Biz will receive a full colour leaflet next week which shows all the products and their net cost prices, BIZ pride themselves on service and availability and keep £ millions on the shelf to support their customers. 

You can check stock and place orders through the B2B site and create your own marketing emails and fliers to maximise the sales potential of these lines. 

For more details, please contact BIZ via one of the following; 
Head Office (Enfield) Sales Office;
Tel 0344 463 2325 E: sales@bizpowertools.co.uk

Scotland Sales Office:
Tel 0344 406 0616 E: sales@bizpowertoolsscotland.co.uk

Bott have designed an ergonomic workstation, combining advanced design, high-quality manufacture and a flexible approach.

 The Bott Group have been developing workplace storage solutions for over 80 years, and has facilities all across Europe. Delivering high levels of service and quality, they have expertise in delivering efficient working environments for both static and in-vehicle applications.

In today’s challenging environment, businesses are introducing LEAN principles to deliver both agility and efficiency in their operations. With this in mind and as a result of in-depth research into their customer’s challenges, Bott have developed a flexible and efficient workstation, allowing for customised applications and seamless expansion for when business needs change.

Ergonomic Optimised Design.

The ergonomically designed workstation can be changed to suit varying processes, with a height adjustable frame bench as the base, integrated accessories and flexible overhead solutions. The overall depth and width are modularly expandable with tilting and swivelling options allowing users to position accessories in the most comfortable positions. The adjustable working height options also allow for seated or standing working.

Ensuring staff welfare, safety and productivity, Bott believe that investing in a professional system is key to creating the optimal operational process.

What are the benefits of a professional system?

✔ Flexible & Adaptable

• Versatile solutions for material provision
• Comprehensive range of accessories
• Re-configure to suit varying processes

✔ Advanced Ergonomic Design

• Custom solutions for individual applications
• Creates comfortable & healthy work environments
• Versatile adjustment of reaching distances

✔ Zero Waste

• Eliminates wasteful activities
• Increases quality & performance
• Reduces errors & processing times
• Simplifies workflows and increases efficiencies

✔ High-quality manufacture

• Manufactured in the UK
• 10 year ‘Built to Last’ guarantee
• Competitive delivery

 Configure your own workstation.

 Simple and easy to use, Bott have developed a new online configurator tool, allowing customers to design a unique workstation that best suits their operational needs and activities.  

Click the links below to view more details

Ergonomic workstation Graphic

Ergonomic Workstations

The TMB Innovation Award was created back in 2013 to recognise and celebrate cutting edge technological advances and excellence within the tooling industry.  Seven years on and this now coveted prize attracts nominations from brands that are both household names and from lesser known, smaller and specialist, manufacturers.  These compete against each other, at the TroyTHS annual show at Silverstone, and are judged not on the type of product but on the innovative technology behind it.

As this is a TMB award, it is open exclusively to Troy Suppliers.
In order to enter the product must;

• have been released no earlier than the last quarter of the previous year 
• have unique selling features.

A vast array of products has been entered over the years, including power tools, abrasives, PPE and more.  Each nominated supplier gives a short presentation at TMB to a diverse panel of judges, with expertise in the tooling sector.  The winner is then deliberated and announced later that evening at the TMB after-show gala dinner.

Troy is keen to drive technological advancement, research and design, so is adding more value and recognition to this already beneficial accolade.  This year, as well as receiving the award itself and being recognised within the group, we are providing the winning product with an enhanced promotional campaign.  This will include a Troy designed advertorial, to appear within an up-and-coming issue of a well known industry magazine, a prominent banner feature that will run all year ‘round on the Troy website and a full press release created by TroyTHS, to be sent to other tooling industry related media outlets. And more…

If you’re interested in attending
the TMB Innovation Award presentations at TMB on Thursday 19^th
March, ‘20, please visit the TroyTHS Presentation Area, in Hall Suzuka at 2pm.

A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS HERRING, DORMER PRAMET, GENERAL MANAGER.

Due to the recent restrictions on movement, we have taken the decision to close our sales office until further notice. This is a precautionary measure to protect the health and wellbeing of our employees, customers and partners.

However, all our staff continue to work from home.
Below is a list of telephone numbers you can call based on your business
location. In addition, our email address (info.uk@dormerpramet.com) remains
live and is constantly monitored during working hours. Therefore, please
contact us via these channels with your enquiries, stock-checks and orders.
Electronic ordering (DOL/EDI) remains unaffected.

If you find your local number is engaged or not answering, please feel free to
call an alternative.

At this stage, there is no disruption to our services and deliveries will
continue as normal. The only exception being product returns, which we will
unfortunately not be able to accept back until our office re-opens. We will
monitor the situation closely and up-date you with any development and
changes. 

If you have any further questions, please contact our customer
service team using the telephone numbers or email address shown above.
 Alternatively, you can contact your local Dormer Pramet Sales Engineer on
their usual number.

Thank you for your support and patience during this time.

NEW PRODUCT FROM MAKITA

Sleek new rear handle design for greater control; ideal for ripping through timber with ease.

Magnesium base makes for a lightweight product whilst the built in dust extraction nozzle allows for a safe and comfortable working environment.

USER BENEFITS:

Steve Gaskell of Action Coach is on hand providing a series of valuable webinars in the lead up to TMB Digital 2020 where Brad Sugars, CEO and founder of Action Coach will be speaking! 

If you are a Troy Member, join TMB Digital on 22nd October 2020 where Brad Sugars will close the show with a rousing presentation on pivoting your business, business survival and success. Brad is a bestselling author and the #1 Business Coach in the world according to Entrepreneur Magazine, we look forward to welcoming him to the inaugural TMB Digital 2020. 

Steve Gaskell’s Action Coach webinars are listed below, they are free to Troy members, and will take place on;
01.10.2020, 08.10.2020, 15.10.2020 – pop them in your diary now! 

5 Ways To Massive Profit Webinar

01.10.2020

13.30pm
click here for the webinar

At our free 5 Ways To Massive Profits Workshop, we’ll share over 350 different ways you can improve these five areas to multiply your profits! And you’ll leave with a clear action plan to begin boosting these areas right away. The ActionCOACH Business Coach Chassis focuses on the five areas that can transform your business into a profit powerhouse. Join us for a profitable time working on your business.

Watch a short youtube introduction to 5 Ways To Massive Profit Webinar here

6 Steps To Achieving Business Profits and Growth

08.10.2020

13.00pm
click here for the webinar

6 Steps To Achieving Business Profits And Growth will both inform and entertain you, but most importantly, it will teach you how to be a better business owner and leader. This webinar is designed for independent businesses and every business owner. The 6 steps will help you climb the ladder of business growth and have a commercial, profitable enterprise that works without you.

Watch a short youtube introduction on 6 steps to achieving Business Profits and Growth here

Marketing With Compassion

15.10.2020

13.00pm
click here for the webinar

Learn where and how to market your business in challenging times. Understand the impact of marketing which empathises with your customers and prospects. Build marketing strategies which will overcome any fears of a downturn and offer confidence in what you do and sell.

Click on the link below to view instructions:

JEGS Online Ordering Made Simple

In the manufacturing and tooling industry, efficiency and organisation are crucial to ensuring high-quality output and profitability. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through the implementation of 5S.

5S is a lean manufacturing methodology that aims to organise and standardise the workplace, resulting in improved efficiency, safety, and quality. It is often summarised by the philosphy “a place for everything and everything in its place”. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of 5S within manufacturing and how it can benefit your business.

The Five S’s of 5S

Before we look into the importance of 5S, let’s define what it entails. 5S stands for:

1. Sort: This involves removing unnecessary items from the workspace, including tools, equipment, and materials.

2. Set in order: Once the unnecessary items have been removed, everything else should be organised in a way that makes it easy to access and use.

3. Shine: This step involves cleaning and maintaining the workspace to ensure it is safe and efficient.

4. Standardise: To maintain the improvements made in the previous steps, standards should be established to ensure consistency and prevent regression.

5. Sustain: Finally, the improvements made through the first four steps should be continuously monitored and improved upon to ensure long-term success.

The Importance of 5S

1. Increased Efficiency: By removing unnecessary items and organizing the workspace, 5S helps reduce the time wasted searching for tools, equipment, or materials. This results in increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and increased productivity.

2. Improved Safety: A well-organised workspace is a safer workspace. By removing clutter and hazards, 5S helps prevent accidents and injuries, resulting in a safer work environment for employees.

3. Better Quality: A clean and organized workspace is essential to producing high-quality products. 5S helps identify defects and potential quality issues early on, allowing for quick corrective action to be taken.

4. Cost Savings: By reducing waste, improving efficiency, and preventing rework, 5S can help reduce costs and increase profitability.

5. Enhanced Teamwork: 5S requires everyone to work together towards a common goal, resulting in improved communication and teamwork within the workplace.

The direct benefits of 5S for your business

Implementing 5S can have several benefits, including:

1. Improved Tool Management: By implementing 5S, tools can be easily identified, organised, and stored, reducing the time wasted searching for the right tool. This can help prevent tool loss and damage, resulting in cost savings for your business.

2. Better Maintenance: 5S requires regular cleaning and maintenance of tools and equipment, resulting in longer tool life and reduced replacement costs.

3. Improved Inventory Management: 5S can help identify excess inventory, reduce waste, and improve inventory turnover. 

4. Enhanced Safety: 5S helps identify and eliminate hazards, resulting in a safer work environment for employees and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

5. Increased Productivity: By reducing waste, improving efficiency, and preventing rework, 5S can help increase productivity, resulting in higher output and profitability.

By working together towards the implementation of 5S, our member network can achieve a competitive edge in the marketplace and remain successful in the long run. Through improved efficiency, productivity, and quality, we can continue to provide the highest level of service and satisfaction to our customers.

Use our member locator to find your nearest Troy Member who can help support you in implementing 5S methods.

Data security is of paramount importance to us at Troy, and is always top of mind with our data governance and data experts, who are busy developing solutions to support members in making data driven decisions. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at new technology from troy, destined to provide you with greater insights into your spending.

The technology is called a ‘dashboard’ – this is a first sneak peak of something we are very excited about and we will be working closely with the Troy membership to understand requirements as ultimately these will be your dashboards so we very much value your input.

This is very much the start not the end of member dashboard development, meaning we wont be rolling this out automatically, we ask members to work with your Troy BDMs to request access to your dashboard and develop your dashboard together. 

What is a dashboard?

A dashboard is a series of visuals such a bar chart or a pie chart – The Member Dashboard is there to help you see your spend, products, invoices, list of suppliers you purchase from, and further purchasing insights. It can further help you with seeing the value of your purchases and the quantities of your product purchases. It’s going to be a great asset to your business operations..

Speak with your Troy Business Development Manager today about access to your dashboard.

December 2018 – Leading global lubricants specialist Molyslip Ltd has been officially named the speciality lubrication partner with Bellini SpA.  In addition to the partnership in Italy, the company’s Indian office will also represent Bellini in India.

Bellini SpA is a leading manufacturer of industrial fluid lubricants based in Bergamo, Italy.  It will now distribute the entire Molyslip range of Lubricants including market leading Copaslip, TAP, WRL and Arvina across Italy.  In reverse, Molyslip India will be distributing Bellini’s metal cutting lubricants throughout India.

Andy Cunningham, General Manager, Molyslip said “We are looking forward to the start of a long and fruitful relationship between Molyslip and Bellini.  Our two companies share very similar values and aspirations, with customer satisfaction through technological innovation, service and flexibility at the heart of everything we do.”

Molyslip is an independent UK-based manufacturer of specialised lubricants and has been supplying products both nationally and internationally since the 1930’s.  The company exports to over 60 countries worldwide and its products (market leading Copaslip, TAP, WRL and Arvina) are used across a range of Industry, with particular strengths in Metal-Working, Oil & Gas, Repair & Maintenance and Automotive as well Marine/Off-shore, Ship Building, and Food & Beverage (both production and packaging areas).  www.molyslip.co.uk.

Leading lubricant specialist Molyslip has introduced a new apprenticeship programme recruiting two graduate trainees – Joe Bertera and Mike Green.  Both employees are currently enrolled in a 12-month Graduate Trainee Programme which is endorsed by the Institute of Sales Management and managed by recruitment specialist – BMS Performance.

Both Mike and Joe have joined the company’s sales team direct from university.   Mike who studied at the University of Worcester will be managing Molyslip customers in the South and Midlands whilst Joe from Cardiff Metropolitan University will cover accounts within Wales and the North of England.  Both recruits have enjoyed a thorough induction and training programme at Molyslip’s head office in Irlam, Manchester and are now working hard in their respective territories.

Andrew Cunningham, General Manager, Molyslip Ltd says: “We are very excited to be investing in and developing young talent. This is our first apprenticeship programme and we hope the first of many.  We are looking forward to watching Mike and Joe grow in their new roles.”

Molyslip is an independent UK-based manufacturer of specialised lubricants and has been supplying products both nationally and internationally since the 1930’s.  The company exports to over 60 countries worldwide and its products (market leading Copaslip, TAP, WRL and Arvina) are used across a range of Industry, with particular strengths in Metal-Working, Oil & Gas, Repair & Maintenance and Automotive as well Marine/Off-shore, Ship Building, and Food & Beverage (both production and packaging areas).  www.molyslip.co.uk.

A very welcome addition to the DART Team is a new Regional Sales Manager for the South East region. Adie Walker has been in the industry for more than twenty years with a varied and rich background across numerous roles.

Adie worked in Harrison & Clough many years ago as a Regional Sales Manager then after a few years moved on to Milwaukee Power Tools, which provided him great exposure to the power tools industry and confirmed his ongoing love for ‘big boys toys’ as he calls them!

Then he moved in to a role as General Manager in Invicta Tools, which involved working on the other side of the counter and within a merchants – in this time, he helped to build their sales team and project managed an extension for their warehouse – giving him great insights of the industry. Then latterly he worked for Folkstone Fixings as Sales Manager and building their sales team, managing trade shows, doing branch management and again building their warehouse capabilities.

However, Adie says on his new position in DART ‘I love being this side of the industry – selling in to the merchant trade. It’s a real awakening for me to come back to it now – it’s where my passion lies. To be out on the road, selling products I love, for a company with such a great ethos is a fantastic opportunity’

When asked what attracted him to DART he says ‘I had followed the DART brand for the last ten years and could see they were a company that were going in the right direction – they are constantly moving forward and it’s obvious that they are always innovating. The new DART brand particularly caught my eye’

Adie certainly has plenty of energy and describes himself as optimistic, enthusiastic and happy.  His plan for his new role is to hit the ground running, with plans to visit the customers in his area as soon as possible – especially dormant accounts, as he sees immense potential in the region.

What’s more, Adie has a poignant personal achievement that not many of us can claim – he saved a person’s life! A family member had a motorbike accident while on holiday in Bali and needed to be urgently flown back to the UK. Adie rapidly raised funds within the community to get him flown back by air ambulance, and on transition had to make a life or death decision when he took a turn for the worse in transition – of whether to continue with the flight or to land – both with unknown prospects. Thankfully to all – Adie made the decision that saved his life – so amongst his wealth of experience is excellent decision making!

In Adie’s free time, he enjoys a daily early morning walk with his dog, enjoys a spot of fishing and is a bit of a thrill seeker, with having braved bungee jumping, sky diving and paragliding.

For all those that meet Adie, it won’t come as a surprise that his personal mantra is ‘Stand Tall, Be Proud and Stay Strong’. DART is certainly very excited to have him on board and with his extensive knowledge of the industry, he will be a great help to his customers.

For any enquiries, please contact:

Suzie Dempsey

Marketing Manager – DART Tool Group

suzie.dempsey@darttoolgroup.com

Troy Members were treated to a fantastic Digital Event on Thursday 23rd September! 

Hosts Richard Pymm, Troy Sales Director and Wendy Perkins Troy PPE Category Manager shared supply chain solutions, product innovation, stories of UK manufacture and sustainability over a 90 minute event. 

Members conversed in the event chat and shared their best examples of how Troy support them in PPE. The best responses won a Red Letter Day prize! 

Thank you to all the suppliers involved, JSP, Footsure, Buckboots, UPower, Rockfall, Pulsar, Hultaforz, WBT, Wondergrip, Traffiglove, Performance Brands, Harrisons Of Hull, UPower, Beeswift, Securious, Bisley, Polyco, UVEX, Globus. 

Members can catch up on the full show here 

We look forward to next months event focusing on Power Tools and Power Tool Accessories. 
Members can register for this event here

The NEW Sealey Tool Catalogue will be available from 1st March 2019.

Pre-order your copy online at www.sealey.co.uk today!

EZ-base is rapidly gaining traction in the industrial tooling sector. With customers wanting to purchase online more and more, having complete product data is imperative. Troy have partnered with EZ-base to streamline how high quality product data can be accessed, allowing Troy Members (Distributors) to manage data easily and effectively via it’s advanced platform as well as supporting Suppliers in standardising their product data.  

The following suppliers are currently available via EZ-base with many more to follow including Beeswift, Excel Machine Tools, Hexstone, Klingspor Abrasives, UVEX. 
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With affordable rates, expert support and fully categorised, standardised and validated data, being a successful distributor of industrial supplies has never been easier. Manual tasks that often took days are now automated thanks to EZ-base. Troy Members have been experiencing the platform for themselves with great results – Rapid Welding had the following to say;

 EZ-base have done the hard work to make the data consistent across different suppliers including attributes such as sizes, colours, and power inputs which not only means there is lots of information available on each product, but it also allowed us to write a single import to bring in products from any supplier on EZ-base. Due to the structure of the data it also allowed us to link all the product variants, which is another painful manual process. The links to the images they include allow us to very easily get multiple images for products onto our site, and supplier images have always been another problem we’ve faced due to the massive range of products we list.
Other than having to set up the category structure to get them in the correct part of the website, we have just imported over 2000 SIA abrasives products direct onto the website from the data we got from EZ-base. Previously this would have been a mammoth task taking days if not weeks, depending on the quality of the data and images from the supplier.

Dave Austin

I.T. Manager

If you would like to get involved with EZ-base as a Supplier or a Distributor, you can contact their team at info@ez-base.co.uk or watch the below animation which explains a little bit more about EZ-base and the industry challenges it resolves for businesses.

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We’re dropping in on our Prodigy of Purchasing, Jim Chadwick, Group Purchasing Director, and the Brains of Business Development, Richard Pymm, Business Development Director for an ‘exclusive’ on Purchasing. They’ll be sharing their views and advice on how best to consider your procurement process and successfully source the highest quality & best value products, whilst minimising surplus stock and maximising profit…

Click here for the full article

1. Clients, Customers, Growth
Sustainability is becoming more of a demand from customers. They are seeking to spend with businesses who reflect their green values. Making small steps to reduce waste or fossil fuel use in your business will attract customers, make a positive impact on the environment as well as your bottom line. It could even help you grow through winning Tenders. Tender criteria is growing to include green accreditation such as ISO14001 and if your business can comply with green standards and credentials you may be able to win new routes to market.

2. Attract and retain top talent
CSR is becoming a powerful mechanism in the way it influences customers and employees alike. Ensure your recruitment strategy and the recruiters you use showcase the green side of your business and CSR Policy.
A Corporate Social Responsibility Plan or Policy for your business could include cycle to work schemes, recycling, litter picking, beach cleaning, reducing carbon footprint, reducing plastic usage, volunteering days, supporting the development of your employees, charitable giving. Prospective employees will find a conscientious employer more attractive.  

3. Reduce waste, increase efficiencies save money
Energy conservation and use of alternative energy sources are among the most significant changes sustainability can bring to a modern business.
Not only does it protect the planet but Energy saving policies implemented in the work-place engage the staff and save bottom line costs. Encourage employee adoption by monitoring your energy data from smart meters to prove their efforts are working!  
No area of your business is too small – reduce waste and plastics that end up in the ocean by joining the reusable revolution, shop more locally and reduce the supply chain travel, have your photocopier on a password release so people have to think about what they print.
When it comes to reducing waste and increasing efficiencies, no area is too small and every decision you make as a business owner makes a step towards cost savings.  

Having discussions around sustainability, leads your business and its people to approach its operations and consumptions holistically. Whole system thinking will open your conversations to new efficiencies that can be made rather than looking at things in silo.

If you are not taking it seriously already, then market demands may soon force your hand. The benefits and communities you can enjoy are only growing.

To find out more about sustainable solutions for your business be it green energy contracts or solar power, view Troy Business Services, where you’ll find a number of recommended partners that can support you.

New Suppliers – Effective 1st September ’18

We would like to welcome the following 6 new suppliers to Troy in September:

• Anco Storage Equipment
• BeA Fastening Systems Ltd
• Ejendals AB
• Heller Tools gmbh
• Knight Tool Ltd
• Progressive Safety Footwear & Clothing

Please search Select section of website for full details & discount terms

Operating from their 10,000 square feet office and warehouse in Peterborough and holding in excess of £1M items worth of stock, Bison UK can offer Troy members next day delivery. In addition to the sales and service Bison UK can also offer technical support to assist members with their requirements.

The ‘Best of Bison’ catalogue features the most popular Bison products which is a perfect aid for Troy members to deal with any workholding customer enquiries.

To get your copy contact sales@bison-bial.co.uk or call 01733 230567, alternatively you can go the the Select area on this site and download the catalogue under Bison.

Bison UK only deal through distributors and have had a lot of success with Troy members with joint customer visits resulting in orders and a healthy profit margin.

Ladder and stepladder standards are changing, with the current British Standard BS 2037 Class 1 (ladders for heavy duty and industrial use) being withdrawn. A revised BS EN131 containing a Professional rating will replace Class 1, with a Non-Professional rating introduced for DIY applications. The main difference between the ratings will be durability, as both will have the same safe working load of 150kg.

The Ladder Association has asked its members to fully implement the new version, at the latest by the end of 2018. The most noticeable change will be to extension ladders over 3m, which will include a stabiliser bar to reduce, slip along with the chance of the ladder flipping or toppling.

All of the current EN131 stepladder products available from TB Davies already comply with the new standards requirement, with several new and improved ladder and step models becoming available during the first part of next year, as we replace the Class 1 products.

As standards are not applicable, retrospectively you will not need to stop using ladders built to the previous criteria. The revision simply sets a new minimum, to ensure even the most basic DIY products are designed to be safer and more durable.

If you would like a site visit report where we can update on standards and legislation, inspect existing equipment and evaluate current practices. We can currently offer the visits to Troy members free of charge for a limited period instead of the normal £300 fee.  

The Government has announced a zero-rating on VAT on the sale of PPE until 31^st October 2020 (Originally it was only to run until 31^st July 2020, however it was extended in early July). This took effect from 1 May 2020 and is directly linked to strategy of reducing the impact of COVID-19.

Products covered by the zero rate include;

• Disposable gloves
• Disposable plastic aprons
• Disposable gowns
• Surgical masks including IIR surgical masks
• Filtering face piece respirators
• Eye and face protection including face visors or goggles

Who does the ‘temporary zero-rating for PPE’ apply to?

• Businesses
• Charities
• Individuals in the UK
• Care Homes (It is expected to particularly benefit care providers, who are often unable to reclaim the 20% VAT incurred on PPE as they are fully or partially exempt businesses)

VAT in the UK is governed by EU Law, at least until Brexit 1^st January 2021, however the European Commission approved member states to introduce temporary VAT reliefs to mitigate the impacts of COVID 19 pandemic.

For further information please visit;

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-zero-rating-for-personal-protective-equipment/vat-zero-rating-for-personal-protective-equipment

• First 3/8” square 18V Brushless Impact Wrench
• Bag-less 18V Vacuum Cleaner
• New drilling and fixing bit sets

New tools are consistently being added to the ever-expanding 18V LXT range from Makita, the UK’s number one professional power tool manufacturer.  Now included in this popular collection is the DTW180 Brushless LXT Impact Wrench and the super-useful DCL181FZW Vacuum Cleaner to help with the tidy up.

The new DTW180 18V LXT Impact Wrench will drive home M8 – M16 standard bolts and M6 – M12 high tensile bolts.  It will deliver 180Nm of tightening torque and 310Nm of nut busting torque while the 2-stage impact power selection delivers up to 3,600ipm in hard mode, 2,000ipm in soft, with a no load speed of 2,400rpm in hard mode and 1,300rpm in soft mode. The DTW180 is also the first 18V impact wrench in the Makita range to have a 3/8” square driving shank.

The new DTW180 features many benefits including a brushless motor allowing double the run time compared to a standard brushed motor, less friction and more power.  This new impact wrench also benefits from an electric brake, variable speed trigger, forward/reverse rotation and a handy LED job light.  The ergonomic soft grip handle enhances user comfort whilst the belt clip is always an ever useful feature.   This compact, lightweight tool will be enjoyed by all professional tradesmen from engineers to facilities managers, automotive trades and repair engineers, to external cladding applicators.

Perfect for tidying up after a job in a domestic property, or for light cleaning duties, is the new Makita DCL181FZW 18V LXT Vacuum Cleaner.  This new vacuum is bag-less and features a capsule that’s efficient and easy to empty.

Producing an excellent 30 watts of suction power in Hi mode and 11 watts in Lo mode, with a maximum airflow of 1.4m³/min, the DCL181F has a maximum sealed suction of 4.2kPa.  The rubberised ergonomic soft grip handle features a touch button switch where high/low suction power settings can be easily selected. This low noise vac has a run time of 40 minutes when used in Lo mode with a 3.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery, and 20 minutes in Hi mode.  The efficient collection filter will allow a dust capacity of 0.65 litres and also featured on this vacuum is a convenient LED job light for those dark corners.  The DCL181F comes in brilliant white instead of the traditional Makita blue, and is available as body only to utilise existing Makita 18V batteries.  Weighing a comfortable and lightweight 1.4kg this new Makita vacuum comes with floor and sash nozzles for a variety of applications.

Makita’s range of drilling and fixing bit sets has been extended with new 75, 118 and 125-piece sets.  The new 75-piece Combination Set (P-90641)  is an essential kit for most drilling applications which includes a selection of titanium coated high speed steel drill bits ranging from 3-8mm; nut drivers in chrome vanadium, masonry and brad point drills.  The kit also includes holesaws and screwdriver bits all contained in a convenient carry case. 

Also now available is the 118-piece General Maintenance Tool Kit (P-90635) which is a scaled down version of the successful 227-piece set and the 125-piece Service Engineers Kit (P-70649) has been introduced due to popular demand from the service engineer market sector. 

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.  Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk

We are proud to announce that our very own Jenny Bicket, Senior Data Governance & Strategy Lead at Troy, was a Guest Speaker at The Modern Data Stack Conference EMEA that took place on the 25th May ’21.

Jenny Bicket was included in the expert line-up to speak at this year’s Modern Data Stack Conference last month. The online conference brought together data analysts, data engineers, and other data professionals from across the globe, to share the latest innovations, technology tools, and best practices.

Jenny discussed how to improve decision making across an entire business through data-driven decisions with other data experts from Biztory and KatKin during the day.

The online event was FREE, so if you’re looking to find out more about the event click the button below!

On 13^th November 2018, the National Buying Group (NBG) Awards evening saw TIMco win the coveted title of ‘Brand of the Year’ in recognition of their excellence in the following categories: brand, product & service. This is the second consecutive year that TIMco has won this prestigious award.

The award was voted for by the whole of the NBG membership and all brands and suppliers were considered. This win secured TIMco’s title as the overall winner of the year.

TIMco was also awarded the title of ‘Supplier of the year’ in the Decorating and Hardware, Category at this year’s awards ceremony. This is an unprecedented sixth consecutive year that TIMco has won the award and the seventh time since TIMco started supplying the buying group in 2011. 

The national awards are designed to recognise excellence in the given category as well as the support and service the supplier offers to NBG’s members.  The awards were presented at a Gala Dinner held at the Cunard Building Liverpool at the close of the NBG’s Annual Conference for 2018. 

Simon Midwood, Managing Director of TIMco comments: “We are delighted to have been once again named as NBG ‘Brand of the Year’ and also to have been awarded ‘Supplier of the Year’ for our category for the sixth consecutive year. This is a fantastic achievement for TIMco and a testament to the team’s efforts to deliver excellent products and services to NBG members.  We’re committed to our strategy of being the supplier that supports independent merchants and intend to continue to build on these relationships by further extending our product portfolio and the high levels of service we are proudly able to offer members. We are extremely grateful to NBG for this recognition and their continued support to TIMco.”

TIMco, one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale suppliers of screws, fixings, ironmongery and power tools accessories, has introduced the new innovative Ram Board Range, which will sit as part of their existing SHIELD range. The range will be dual branded as TIMco SHIELD Ram Board. TIMco has been awarded exclusivity to distribute Ram Board throughout the UK to independent builders merchants.

The Ram Board heavy-duty, temporary floor protection is engineered for contractors. It has been designed with both cost and efficiency in mind, lays out quickly and easily and is also re-usable and recyclable. It is also made from recycled material. Ram Board is non-staining and utilises its exclusive Flex-Fiber & Spill Guard technologies allowing for the curing of new floors on job-sites while resisting water, paint, mud and more. It also helps contractors looking to protect new or existing concrete, wood, tile, stone, linoleum, vinyl composition tile, epoxy and most other floor types, and supports waste packaging on sites.

Launching alongside the heavy duty floor protection will also be a selection of accompanying products; the first of which is a Seam Tape. With a generous width of 3 inches, the tape has plenty of allowance for joining the heavy-duty floor protection seams. The Kraft backing also makes it easy to tear off and install as well as making the product recyclable. Another product launching within the Ram Board range is the Multi-Cutter, used for the safe and accurate cutting of Ram Boards during fitting. The concealed integral blade reduces risk of personal injury and prevents damage to the surface being protected beneath the Ram Boards. Protecting door frames has become an essential part of renovating, moving and even new construction, and so the third product to launch alongside this collection is Ram Jamb – a heavy-duty door frame protector. Ram Board’s door frame protection is flexible and re-usable, with no tape or adhesive necessary.

Sales Director of TIMco, Simon Rance comments: “Over recent months, we have seen an increased demand for protective products for use on construction sites and for renovators and that’s why we decided to extend our SHIELD range by introducing the innovative Ram Board. This product is both easy to use and re-usable, making it a very cost-effective solution for construction sites. We are confident it will be a popular addition to our SHIELD range. We look forward to building our relationship with Ram Board and growing the TIMco SHIELD Ram Board brand.”

Ram Board is now available to purchase and features in TIMco’s 2018/19 catalogue.

We have been working hard with Suppliers behind the scenes to bring you an event in the face of COVID-19!

The brand new, TMB Digital is coming exclusively to Troy Members… 

No need to travel, enjoy easy access from the comfort of your desk and take part in a jam packed day with content that is guaranteed to make your life easier and save your business money!

• Amazing Supplier Offers
• Big Discounts
• Product Auctions
• World Famous Speaker
• Show-Worthy Deals
• Huge Prizes
• Exciting Product Demos
• Q&As
• Intelligent Purchasing Solutions 

During the day there will be features you cannot afford to miss out on including product auctions to prove Troy members are truly stronger together, the opportunity to win an all inclusive trip to Las Vegas, as well as the launch of Troy’s new Ecommerce and product data solutions. 

The event will be hosted within the members area of the site, so it’s essential you check you have log in details to www.troyuk.co.uk on hand, and if not get in touch with your Troy BDM to get set up/recover your password.

Starting around 9.30am and complete by 5pm, Brad Sugars will be closing the event with a rousing presentation on pivoting, business survival and success!

We hope to release a running order in the next week or so. 

Block out Thursday 22^nd October 2020 to virtually attend!

The UK’s leading engineering distributor, Troy Group, has acquired award-winning technology firm Applegate, with its online marketplace, extensive data and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Applegate brings longstanding academic relationships with Exeter and Plymouth universities, which have supported the development of innovative machine learning technology. All employees are retained and the company will remain based in Barnstaple, North Devon.

“Data and technology will power the future of our industry,” said Troy Group Chief Executive, Paul Kilbride. “As our business continues its rapid expansion, it’s vital we use great technology to support our members in delivering exceptional service to customers. Acquiring Applegate adds to the brilliant team we already have; I’m excited about incorporating the digital marketplace into our offer and the services this will enable us to develop.”

For Applegate’s CEO, Stuart Brocklehurst, the move is a natural fit. “From the start of the conversation with Troy it’s been clear that the ethics and culture of the group made for a perfect match. The whole team are thrilled to be joining Troy and looking forward to working with our new colleagues.”

This is the fourth acquisition Exeter-based Troy has completed this year as the group expands rapidly  – moving from 25^th, to 19^th, to 13^th largest business in the South West in the last three annual rankings by Francis Clark and the Western Morning News. Main shirt sponsor for the Exeter Chiefs, whilst Troy’s operations are spread all across the UK and Ireland the group has deep roots in the west country.

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.

Troy, are pleased to announce a £15.5 million investment from BGF, Business Growth Fund, to support its growth strategy.

As the largest independent network of industrial and engineering supplies in the UK, this investment will help Troy to further support the industries it serves, including general manufacturing, rail, renewable energy, automotive, medical and aerospace.

Under the leadership of Paul Kilbride, who acquired Troy in 2010, the business has experienced rapid growth with 400 plus members, 420 plus suppliers, and a turnover of over £300 million.

BGF’s financial support will further accelerate the company’s growth, with Troy having invested in 16 independent group members to date, and a significant pipeline of further opportunities identified post-investment.

For those independent members these investments have provided a more favourable option for legacy planning, allowing them to maintain their independent names and secure local jobs.

These investments have significantly benefitted the group, both protecting the group’s impressive £1.2 billion collective buying power, and by unlocking investment potential. This has enabled the development of world class support functions, services and platforms that are available to the Troy network; made up of both members and suppliers.

This is a significant milestone for the company. With the support of BGF, Troy can continue to support the growth of its independent members and future proof the local businesses that it invests in.

In addition to the funding, Troy has also appointed former Wickes CEO, Simon King as Non-Executive Chair, following an introduction from BGF’s Talent Network – the largest pool of non-exec talent in the UK.

Paul Kilbride, Chief Executive at Troy, said: “To deliver our strategy of structured growth, we required a minority investment partner that recognised the capabilities of Troy. We are confident that with BGF as key allies we will maintain our growth trajectory and realise the company’s ambition.”

The new £15.5 million investment deal was led by James Skade and Hannah Waters, investors in BGF’s Bristol-based South West team. 

BGF investor James Skade said: “This is a great opportunity for BGF to invest in a thriving national business with an excellent reputation and a huge potential for growth. We’re delighted to be working alongside Paul and Simon and look forward to supporting the business to deliver on its ambitious growth plans.”

Simon King, non-exec chair of Troy, said: “I’m excited to be joining the board of Troy, working alongside the wider team and BGF to capitalise on significant market opportunities and to position the business for further growth.”

Advisors to BGF on the transaction were Tim Roberts, Martin Davies, Rachael Ruanne and Amy McVey (Burges Salmon), Tom Ayerst and Jack Jones (PwC)  . Advisors to Troy UK were Paul Bevan (Breeze Corporate Finance), Matt Eves, Dave Guy and Hannah Nonas (EY) and Mark Rutherford and Anna Mayfield (Gateley plc).

-Ends-

 About BGF

BGF was set-up in 2011 and has invested £3.5 billion in over 500 companies, making it the largest and most experienced investor in the UK and Ireland. BGF is a minority, non-controlling equity partner with a patient outlook on investments, based on shared long-term goals with the management teams it backs. BGF invests in growing businesses in the UK and Ireland through its network of 15 offices. In 2018, Canada launched its equivalent – the Canadian Business Growth Fund – and in 2020, Australia did the same, both based on BGF’s funding model. www.bgf.co.uk / Social media: @BGFinvestments

About Troy

Founded in 1986 as a buying group in the industrial and engineering sector. Troy was acquired by Paul Kilbride in 2010 and has grown significantly since to become the largest in its sector in the UK with 420+ suppliers, 400+ members and £1.2 billion group buying power. www.troyuk.co.uk / Social media: @thetroygroup

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