The Axminster North Shields store, which first opened in March 2015, is moving to new premises. The new store is situated less than a mile away on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate. The new store will be open for trading, although not fully merchandised, from Friday 15th June.
It will be fully operational from Monday 25 June.
Why the move?
The new store is just off three major roads: A19, A193 and A1058. Therefore, the site provides the store with a solid infrastructure that is in a highly populated area. The road network will make the store easily accessible for both the people of North Shields and the surrounding areas. In addition, the size and layout will enable products to be displayed more effectively.
What are the benefits?
At 12,000 sq ft, the new store has 2,000 sq ft more floor space. In practice, this means more space will be available for demonstrations. There will be greater opportunities for customers to get hands-on and for staff to interact with the local community. Another advantage will be better product arrangement. Products can be displayed together according to the projects they might be used for or the solutions they provide. And, the new store will have around 9,000 product lines.
What's happening and when
Meanwhile Axminster North Shields store manager Mark Bloomfield and his team have been organising the old store. They hope to make the move as painless as possible.
Retail manager Berni Callery said: “We are doing all we can to minimise the impact on our customers. We will actually start moving from Friday 8th June and will be open for trading at our new premises on Friday 15th June. The store won’t be fully operational on that day, but we will be open and welcoming customers. Then we will begin the process of building up the store again so that it will be fully operational from Monday 25th June.”
Store manager Mark Bloomfield added: “As we’ve only been at the current store for 3 years, many of the fittings are almost as good as new. For example, we’ve carefully removed the light fittings so they can be reused in the new store. We are trying to avoid unnecessary waste, and are aiming to either reuse or recycle as much as we can from the old store.”
If you are in the North Shields area, check out our Facebook page, where you will find all the latest news about the move.
The new address
The full address of the new store is Unit J1a Hamar Close, Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, North Shields NE29 7XB.
The Axminster North Shields store, which first opened in March 2015, is moving to new premises. The new store is situated less than a mile away on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate. The new store will be open for trading, although not fully merchandised, from Friday 15th June. It will be fully operational from Monday 25 June. Why the move?…
Olly Webb, a design student from Cardiff Metropolitan University, has just won the Young Furniture Makers Design and Make competition.
The Furniture Makers’ Company organised the competition and launched it during autumn 2017. The brief asked students to design a piece of innovative wooden furniture. Subsequently, a number of students went through to the shortlist and then had three months to create their concept.
Axminster stores to exhibit winning piece Farm
Olly, a Masters student in Product Design at Cardiff Met, took first place for his shelving unit called Farm. Second place was awarded to Megan Broome, a Product Design student at Wolverhampton School of Art. Finally, Sophie Hall, a Product Design student at Cardiff School of Art & Design came third.
Axminster Tools & Machinery was the sponsor of the competition and provided materials for the students to bring their designs to life. Additionally, Axminster provided prizes for the competition. First prize consisted of a £1,000 Axminster voucher and a week’s work placement at Axminster. What's more, Olly will have the opportunity to exhibit the piece by rotation in the eight Axminster stores. Second and third prizes were £500 and £100 worth of Axminster vouchers.
The judges agreed that Olly’s Farm was a fresh, stylish interpretation on an existing idea that used a good mixture of materials. The level of Olly’s understanding also impressed them.
Congratulations and thanks from the new Master
Newly appointed Master of the Furniture Makers’ Company Hayden Davies said: “We can’t thank our partner and sponsor, Axminster Tools and Machinery, enough for funding this exciting competition that has given young makers around the UK the chance to bring a design to life. Congratulations to Olly and the runners up for demonstrating such creativity and we hope they go on to have successful careers.”
Axminster's MD Alan Styles added: “As always we are keen to support and promote designing and making in education. It’s good to see that the competition has been so well received across the universities and colleges. And what’s really pleasing is the large variety of entries from many different educational establishments. I hope this is something we can build on for the future.”
It was a great feeling knowing that all the hard work and effort that I put in has paid off. As a young designer, I’m delighted with the positive feedback that I’ve received and I’m really looking forward to seeing where Farm may go in the future.
Olly Webb
Olly Webb, a design student from Cardiff Metropolitan University, has just won the Young Furniture Makers Design and Make competition. The Furniture Makers’ Company organised the competition and launched it during autumn 2017. The brief asked students to design a piece of innovative wooden furniture. Subsequently, a number of students went through to the shortlist and then had three months…
On Tuesday 1 May Axminster held another successful golf day to help raise funds for The Furniture Makers' Company.
Thirty-eight players travelled from as far as Stoke in the UK and Sweden to play at the prestigious Lyme Regis course on the south coast of Dorset. Lyme Regis Golf Club is one of the finest golf courses in the south west. After the tournament sandwiches and cake were served and a raffle held.
The players
Competitors playing for The Furniture Makers’ Company were Paul von der Heyde, Graham Marley, Ben Burbidge and David Dewing.
Axminster players included MD Alan Styles, Andrew Cross, Charlie Cross, Michael Trimble and Laurie Forino. In addition, representatives from Tormek, Shesto, Bosch, Liberon and Sjobergs took part.
After Sales & Servicing manager Andrew Cross won the individual competition. Andrew received a unique turned bowl decorated using pyrography. Axminster Skill Centre staff had made the trophy especially for the event.
We’d like to thank our corporate member Axminster Tools & Machinery for continuing to organise this fantastic event that gets bigger and better every year. Supporter-led events such as these are vital to communicating the good work that the Company performs and strengthen the bonds of fellowship amongst industry colleagues.
Hayden Davies, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company
About The Furniture Makers' Company
The Furniture Makers’ Company is a City of London livery company and the furnishing industry’s charity. Consequently, it fosters the industry by supporting those in need, nurturing skills and expertise, and inspiring excellence.
Funds raised help The Furniture Makers' Company educate young talent for the future. They are also used to drive excellence and high standards within the furniture industry. The Company supports students and young people with grants, training and mentoring to encourage talent and safeguard the industry’s future. Furthermore, it promotes the highest standards and best practice in design and making through the UK. And, it recognises quality through the reward of its guild marks.
On Tuesday 1 May Axminster held another successful golf day to help raise funds for The Furniture Makers’ Company. Thirty-eight players travelled from as far as Stoke in the UK and Sweden to play at the prestigious Lyme Regis course on the south coast of Dorset. Lyme Regis Golf Club is one of the finest golf courses in the south…
Axminster Tools & Machinery recently won an award at the DIY Week Awards ceremony in London.
Representatives from across the DIY, home improvement and garden markets gathered at the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel on Friday 11 May. There, the aim was to recognise excellence across the industry. Thus, the award categories encompassed forward-thinking companies, innovative products and inspirational people.
The luncheon began with a drinks reception, providing an opportunity for guests to network with industry friends and potential clients. Then, comedian and actor Marcus Brigstocke launched the event and got the awards presentation underway.
DIY Week Awards Team of the Year
Winning a trophy at the prestigious DIY Week Awards is without doubt an achievement. And, this year our Cardiff store had cause for celebration after bagging the Team of the Year Award.
Store manager Lee Parfitt and his deputy Katie Reid represented Cardiff at the event, along with sales director Darran McLeod and retail manager Berni Callery. Pictured left to right: Paul Bagnall of Henkel (sponsor), Berni Callery, Darran McLeod, Katie Reid, Lee Parfitt, Marcus Brigstocke
Cardiff's written entry focused on many of the initiatives the store has put in place. These include working with groups within the local community such as the Scouts, SPICE and Amelia’s Trust.
The Rainy Day Trust
The luncheon not only served as an opportunity to recognise excellence and innovation across the industry, but also presented a chance to give something back. The organisers arranged a collection on behalf of The Rainy Day Trust. As a result, guests helped raise funds for the UK’s only charity supporting the home improvement workforce and their families. The total amount raised will be announced on the DIY Week Awards website shortly.
Sponsors
The following companies sponsored the DIY Week Awards: The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), Brookes & Co, Burg-Wächter, Decco, Dulux, Everbuild – A Sika Company, GIMA, Henkel, Home Hardware Southwest, Sam’s Trade Direct, Stax Trade Centres and Sterling.
Axminster Tools & Machinery recently won an award at the DIY Week Awards ceremony in London. Representatives from across the DIY, home improvement and garden markets gathered at the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel on Friday 11 May. There, the aim was to recognise excellence across the industry. Thus, the award categories encompassed forward-thinking companies, innovative products and inspirational people. The…
Axminster Tools & Machinery is now working with and supporting the Sylva Foundation based in Oxfordshire.
Originally, a philanthropist donated twelve acres of land to Sylva. However, the one condition was to use the land for something connected with wood.
Sylva Foundation supports businesses
Today, the Sylva Wood Centre is a hub for small businesses and crafts people who design, innovate or make in wood and related crafts. Also, it is the home of the Sylva Foundation.
The centre provides a dedicated space and equipment, and has an inspiring community of woodworking professionals. In addition to business units for established businesses, the Foundation provides facilities to support business incubation.
Crafts-person-in-residence
One of these incubation areas is assigned to Rycotewood Furniture Centre. As a result, each year the college supports one graduate to launch their career. This year the Rycotewood crafts-person-in-residence is Matt Estlea who works part-time in the Axminster Basingstoke store.
Future forest friends
Among the Foundation’s initiatives is the ‘Future Forest Friends’ scheme. The scheme comprises several hundred plots planted with tree species that that will hopefully thrive despite climate change, pests and diseases. These plots are available for sponsorship and Axminster will be sponsoring two.
Another project is a new dedicated forest education area where children can learn about and enjoy the woodland. What's more, the centre offers a range of wood related courses for members of the public. Examples include making a canoe paddle with Colin Henwood of Henwood & Dean and spoon whittling with woodcarver Simon Clements. (Simon also carved totems to celebrate the Charter of the Tree 2017.) Plans are afoot to develop this teaching facility in the future.
Oxfordshire Art Weeks
Sylva’s Wood Centre is occasionally open to the public and will be open later this month during Oxfordshire Art Weeks.
Consequently, the centre will be open on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May, and also the following week on Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 from 10am-5pm on all of those days.
Venue: Sylva Wood Centre, Little Wittenham Road, Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire OX14 4QT
Axminster Tools & Machinery is now working with and supporting the Sylva Foundation based in Oxfordshire. Originally, a philanthropist donated twelve acres of land to Sylva. However, the one condition was to use the land for something connected with wood. Sylva Foundation supports businesses Today, the Sylva Wood Centre is a hub for small businesses and crafts people who design,…
Following hot on the tails of our shortlisting for the Living Wage Awards, potentially there is even more good news for Axminster Tools & Machinery on the awards front. We are a finalist in the DIY Week Awards 'Team of the Year' category.
Our entry focused on Lee Parfitt and his team at the Cardiff store, featuring many of the innovative measures that they have introduced.
Innovative measures include:
Enhancing the customer's experience
Enhancing the customer’s experience with the introduction of several interactive workbenches where you can get hands-on. However, the store has achieved less formal engagement with the customer with the recent installation of a coffee station in the centre of the store. This is not just a place to grab a quick hot drink, but a space for customers to chat about their workshop, projects, plans or technical challenges.
Working with the local community
Working with the local community by establishing a woodcarving club which meets every Thursday. The club is growing and now has about 12 regular members of various ages. Another initiative is working with SPICE, a national organisation which recognises and rewards community service using a Time Credits model. A further example of the team's involvement with the local community is the work they’ve done with Amelia’s Trust. This is a charity which helps to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people in a care farm environment.
The Cardiff store has also led the way in engaging local cubs and scouts. These groups have visited the store to learn new hand skills such as pyrography in a safe, supervised environment. The store hopes to make a greater contribution to the scout Craft badge in the future.
Our fantastic panel of judges gathered on March 19 and considered entries from a number of great retail businesses. There was some tough competition and difficult decisions to be made on the day, so congratulations on being selected. The panel was extremely impressed with what Axminster and the team have achieved, so I can confidently say you have earned your place on our shortlist.
Fiona Garcia, editor of DIY Week
Resourceful, professional & enthusiastic
Cardiff store manager Lee Parfitt commented: "It’s a great credit to the team to be put forward for these awards. We have a strong team here in Cardiff and we are very customer service driven. As a team we work well together to deliver the Axminster level of expectation and are delighted to be going through to the final."
Retail manager Berni Callery added: "Lee and the team are resourceful, professional and enthusiastic. Such qualities make them worthy representatives of our company values, including teamwork, family and a passion for craftsmanship. It is because of their continued and consistent dedication to excellence that we nominated them for this award. They have transformed the store from a retail space, into an experience."
Other companies shortlisted in the same category are Browns Home Hardware, Tool Shop and Walton Flooring Centre.
DIY Week plans to reveal the overall winners in each category at an Awards lunch on Friday 11 May at the Park Plaza Victoria in London.
For more information about the awards, please visit DIY Week's website.
Axminster Tools & Machinery has been named as a finalist in the DIY Week Awards Team of the Year category.
Axminster's Managing Director Alan Styles was made a liveryman of The Furniture Makers' Company at the court meeting and dinner recently held at the Furniture Makers' Hall. Alan has moved up from the position of corporate liveryman, which he became in 2013, to liveryman.
I feel honoured to have been made a liveryman of The Furniture Makers’ Company. The Company carries out invaluable work in education, supporting and promoting promising young furniture makers. Its other charitable work includes lending a helping hand to those in need who have worked in the furniture industry, in the form of grants, services and time. We at Axminster are pleased to be able to work with and support such a highly regarded organisation
Alan Styles
Liveryman, corporate liveryman and freeman
Alongside Alan, Axminster's Sales Director Darran McLeod was also admitted to the Furniture Makers' Company as a corporate liveryman. Membership of the Company as a liveryman, corporate liveryman or freeman is available to those employed or who have been employed in the furnishing industry. Thus, individuals are able to contribute to the industry and its work outside of their normal employment, and even after they have retired.
There are a number of advantages to becoming a liveryman. Among them are opportunities to contribute to the UK furniture industry, supporting the charitable activities of the Company, access to industry information and networking across the British furnishing industry.
More about the Furniture Makers
The Furniture Makers' Company is the British furnishing industry's charity. Therefore, the Company supports the industry by helping those in need, nurturing skills and expertise, and championing excellence.
The Company's full title is The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. It was founded as a guild in 1951 and granted livery status in 1963. It aims to support the highest standards of design, manufacturing, marketing and retailing of all types of furniture and furnishing throughout the UK. The Furniture Makers' Company achieves these aims through a variety of means, such as:
• educating the next generation to create a skilled and talented workforce for the future: working with schools, colleges, universities and companies to create learning and training opportunities
• helping those from the industry in times of need, whether retired or of working age
• the awarding of its own highly prized Guild Marks and Awards recognising excellence
For more about The Furniture Makers' Company, please visit their website.
The Furniture Makers’ Company has recently made Axminster’s managing director Alan Styles a liveryman of the Company. In addition, sales director was made a corporate liveryman.
Axminster Tools & Machinery has been shortlisted by the Living Wage Foundation for the Living Wage Champion Awards 2018.
The awards recognise Living Wage employers that have made great contributions to communities and industries by implementing the Living Wage.
Stiff competition
The company is in the category ‘Living Wage Innovation Award’ for larger organisations. As a result, we will be up against some big players including Aviva, CIPD, Midlothian Council and Anglia Ruskin University.
Axminster’s HR Director Jane Boulton commented:
To be shortlisted for the Living Wage Champion Awards 2018 in competition with such well-known industry names is a real honour. Axminster Tools & Machinery is a family business which believes that paying the Living Wage is good for business, good for staff and good for the society in which we live. We recognised that staff skill sets should be valued regardless of where we are located. We continually support the Living Wage by ensuring that we complement employee wages with initiatives to eradicate in-house poverty. This has led to increased employee engagement, with employees being passionate about our customers and the products we sell. All of which helps to ensure that the Company remains the unique business it is today.
Jane Boulton (HR Director)
Tess Lanning, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “I would like to offer huge congratulations to Axminster Tools & Machinery on being shortlisted for the Living Wage Champion Awards. By committing to responsible pay, employers like Axminster Tools have changed the lives of thousands of people across the UK, lifting workers out of poverty and transforming communities. We look forward to celebrating again in June when we announce the winners.”
Voluntary basis
The Living Wage is an hourly pay rate set independently, updated annually and calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK.
Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis. Almost 4,000 accredited employers have now committed to paying the Living Wage.
The UK Living Wage is currently £8.75 per hour. The London Living Wage is currently £10.20 per hour, covering all boroughs in Greater London. These figures are calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, based on the best available evidence on living standards in London and the UK.
The Living Wage Foundation recognises and celebrates the leadership shown by Living Wage employers across the UK. An independent panel of business and community leaders will judge the awards. The winners will be announced in June.
Axminster Tools & Machinery has been shortlisted for the Living Wage Awards 2018. An independent panel of business and community leaders will judge the awards and announce the winner in June.
Axminster’s Business Services team will be attending the MACH 2018 exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham in April. The stand will display products from the Jet Elite, CNC Technology and Engineer Series ranges.
“We would like to introduce potential customers to some of the finest manufacturing machines on the market - the superior quality Jet Elite mills, lathes and bandsaws. Plus the team will demonstrate the Axminster CNC Technology iKX3 mill and iKC6 lathe; milling an aluminium component and turning a brass component on the lathe” says General Sales Manager Mark O’Halloran who will be heading up the team at MACH.
MACH organisers describe the event as:
...the outstanding showcase for advances in the manufacturing industry brought to you by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), a UK based trade association dealing specifically with engineering based manufacturing
The event is a biennial exhibition bringing together all the latest innovations and developments from the manufacturing technologies sectors.
At the 2016 exhibition both Halls 4 and 5 were completely sold out, attracting more than 25,000 visitors from different sectors across the whole of the UK manufacturing industry and overseas.
Bigger and better
MACH 2016 saw over 600 companies exhibiting, resulting in an incredible £150 million of business attributed to the event. The 2018 show promises to be bigger and better with new zones, innovative technologies and a vibrant seminar programme.
This year the exhibition will occupy Halls 6 and 7 plus Halls 17 to 20. The new Halls will provide one uninterrupted, single space on the same level. And so, with more entrances than before, exhibitors will have the opportunity to be even closer to visitors.
Sir Ben Ainslie to open MACH
Sir Ben Ainslie will officially open the five-day event on Monday 9th April. He is the most successful competitive sailor in Olympic history. Sir Ben won medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996, including gold at the four Games between 2000 and 2012.
Sir Ben is a true legend, and we are honoured to have him opening the UK’s premier manufacturing and engineering showcase.
MTA CEO James Selka
Sir Ben has a keen interest in manufacturing and the technology behind it. His British America’s Cup team, Land Rover BAR, utilise the latest manufacturing processes to create their foiling race boat for the America's Cup.
MTA CEO James Selka, said “We are delighted to welcome Sir Ben to open MACH 2018. We know how much hard work and engineering excellence has been employed in the creation of the Land Rover BAR team. They are a fine example of world-class British engineering and sporting know-how.”
Dates: Mon 9-Fri 13 April 2018
Open times: Mon- Thurs 9.00am-5.00pm; Fri 9.00am-4.00pm
Venue: NEC, Birmingham; stand H6-510
For more information about MACH 2018, please visit the exhibition's website.
To contact our Business Services team, please call 0800 371822.
Axminster’s Business Services team will be attending MACH 2018 this April at the NEC. The stand will feature machines from Jet Elite, CNC Technology and Engineer Series.
Students from Colyton Grammar School’s engineering club, in partnership with Axminster Tools & Machinery, have just won significant sponsorship from the Royal Society.
The grant of £1,356 is for a restoration project and the money will be used to restore a four-stroke JAP stationary engine. This will then be presented to industry experts.
Twelve students, led by design and technology teacher John Froud and a team of student leaders, are involved in the restoration project. Fraser Aitken, club leader, said the partnership would prove “an exciting opportunity for students to engage with engineering”.
Another exciting development is that the students have received an invitation to attend the Partnership Grants conference at the Royal Society next March. The aim of the conference is to give students the chance to experience a true scientific symposium.
Practical advice and support
Axminster Tools & Machinery is a corporate partner of Colyton Grammar School, providing professional guidance and the mentoring of students studying design and technology at the school. Axminster’s Engineering Team Leader, David Foden visits the school once a fortnight to give technical support to individual students. David is also in contact with them by email in between visits, advising on any issues.
The JAP stationary engine was originally owned by David. He had planned to undertake its restoration as a winter project, but then decided it would be an ideal project for the students. David has also loaned the engineering club many of his tools because working on the engine requires imperial spanners and so forth. The aim is to have the engine fully restored and in a running condition ready for the Tatworth Vintage Engine Rally in south Somerset, taking place in May or June 2018.
Additionally, David mentors A-level students with their design projects assisting with the costing of materials, packaging and machining. He also puts forward ideas and advice when asked.
You could say, after being fortunate enough to travel the world as an engineer, I find it very rewarding being able to give something back and help encourage another generation into engineering
David Foden (Axminster's Engineering Team Leader)
Colyton Grammar School students , in partnership with Axminster Tools & Machinery, have received significant sponsorship from the Royal Society.
Axminster Tools & Machinery was declared 'Power Tool Supplier of the Year' at the recent On the Tools lavish gala dinner with awards ceremony held at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham. This is the second year in a row that Axminster has won this award.
(Pictured above left to right are Martin Brown, Axminster's Brand & Export Director and Adam Barrie, Creative Director of On the Tools.)
‘On the Tools’ describes itself as the largest online construction community in the UK. Construction workers throughout the country nominated their favourite brands and companies for this year’s awards. Next, a panel of judges considered the nominations and narrowed them down to a shortlist of the best companies. The shortlisted companies then went forward to the final stage, with the outcome being decided by votes from the general public.
Shortlist
On the shortlist and competing against Axminster this year were Cromwell Tools, ECA Toolfast, ITS and Toolstop.
We would now like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone out there who voted for us
Actor and comedian Justin Moorhouse hosted the evening. Justin has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled and Coronation Street.
Many other awards were also presented throughout the evening including 'Power Tool Brand of the Year', 'Hand Tool Brand of the Year', 'Training Excellence' and 'Apprentice of the Year'. For the full list of winners please click here.
Axminster Tools & Machinery were declared ‘Power Tool Supplier of the Year’ for the second year in a row at the recent ‘On the Tools’ awards ceremony.
This year’s Young Furniture Makers exhibition saw the highest number of pieces of work entered in the exhibition’s history. Consequently, visitor numbers soared as they flocked to see the creations on show earlier this month.
A record breaking 120 pieces were on display in the Dutch Church and Furniture Makers’ Hall in Austin Friars, London. From GCSE and A level students through to BA and MA graduates, from around the UK, all entered pieces of work into the exhibition.
The Young Furniture Makers exhibition has now been running for over 10 years. Its aims are to provide a platform for students to showcase their work, meet potential employers and gain advice.
Sponsorship and support
Axminster Tools & Machinery were the main sponsor. Other sponsors included Blue Crush Communications and the Furniture Ombudsman.
At the awards ceremony, Master of the Furniture Makers’ Company, Dr Tony Smart MBE, welcomed guests from across the world of furnishing and design.
Guest of honour Sebastian Conran, CEO of Conran Associates, presented the prizes. Mr Conran commented: “I found the student work exceptionally fresh and inspiring, exhibiting extremely high standards of imagination, discernment and craft normally associated with the output of people with many more years experience and expertise.”
Alan Styles, managing director of main sponsor Axminster Tools & Machinery, said: “On behalf of Axminster I would like to say how delighted and proud we are to support such a well organised and well attended event hosted by The Furniture Makers’ Company. The quality of the design and work is an outstanding tribute to all the colleges and schools involved. This will without doubt inspire students thinking of enrolling on furniture design and build courses, and help to highlight the future of the furniture industry.”
The Furniture Makers’ Company is the British furnishing industry’s charity. Hence, the Company fosters the industry by supporting those in need, nurturing skills and expertise, and championing excellence.
The Young Furniture Makers Exhibition was recently held in the Dutch Church and Furniture Makers Hall at Austin Friars in London. With 120 pieces on display, this year saw the highest number of entries in the exhibition’s history, and visitor numbers soared.
The North of England Woodworking & Power Tool Show (aka the Harrogate Show) is the largest retail woodworking and power tool show in the UK. What's more, it is the longest established among the many shows of its kind.
Visitors will find one of the widest selections of woodworking tools, machinery and accessories - ranging from small items up to large commercial machines - all under one roof. Therefore, the show will appeal to the amateur and professional woodworker, the home renovator, and in fact anyone who works with wood.
The show will take place in Hall 1 at the Great Yorkshire Showground, which had a major refurbishment only last year. This year, visitors will be able to see more than 40 top demonstrators covering every discipline, plus 100 companies and organisations will be exhibiting.
Under the leadership of Product Training Manager Craig Steele, the Axminster stand should be an inspiring sight with many leading brands on show. The list of demonstrators is equally impressive with two of North America’s most experienced and charismatic hand tool experts heading the line-up.
Axminster demonstrators
So, let us introduce you to our 2017 cast of demonstrators:
Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks based in Maine, USA
Vic Tesolin – Veritas Tools, part of Lee Valley and based in Ottawa, Canada
Colwin Way – professional woodturner and Axminster Skill Centre tutor
Ben Beddows – Axminster HQ demonstrating Tormek
Chris Kirk – High Wycombe store demonstrating power carving with Arbortech
Craig Steele – Axminster HQ demonstrating Hobby and Trade Series, Axcaliber and Jet
Dave Kenwrick – Cardiff store demonstrating Axminster Precision and Rider planes
Alex Wade – Business Services demonstrating Hobby and Trade Series, Axcaliber and Jet
Rob James – Axminster store demonstrating Powermatic, the ‘Gold Standard’
Phil Lewis – Warrington store demonstrating Axminster chucks and Evolution Series accessories
Shaun Vincent – Axminster store demonstrating dovetailing with Leigh jigs
Tim Styles – Axminster HQ demonstrating UJK Technology pocket hole joinery
The show runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 November (Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm). For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit the show’s website or contact the organisers on 01474 536535.
The North of England Woodworking & Power Tool Show (aka the Harrogate Show) runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 November and is being held in Hall 1 at the Great Yorkshire Showground.
Exeter College is about to unveil its new multi-million pound centre of excellence with cutting-edge robotics and engineering technology. The state-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Industrial Automation covers 780 square metres and is an extension of Exeter College Technology Centre. Thus, it will have the very latest in hi-tech equipment, at a total cost, including building works, of around £3million.
Outstanding college
As a result of this investment, Exeter College will be one of the best facilities in the UK for engineering disciplines. The college is classified as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (2013/14 inspection) and is a specialist provider of high quality work-based apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing.
The South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) and Exeter College itself have provided equal funding for this ambitious project.
The project is part of the college’s long-term commitment to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. The extension is required to support an expansion in the college’s range of courses in engineering, aerospace and automotive technologies; providing industry-led teaching spaces, workshops and laboratories for both practical and academic learning.
Under the plans, there will be new workshops and laboratories for engineering, robotics, automated manufacturing, rapid prototyping and 3D printing. There will also be a cutting-edge virtual welding facility in which students can progress to real welding.
Axminster machines
Axminster Tools & Machinery will be supplying the new centre with nine Jet Elite mills and ten Jet Elite lathes together with four CNC mills and four pillar drills, collectively worth more than £230K. One of the workshops will be dedicated to housing the Axminster and Jet machines.
Robotics
The Robotics workshop will accommodate seven Kuka robots including the KR Agilus. Consequently, Exeter College will be the leading college in the UK for robotics programming. The engineering students themselves will be responsible for maintaining these robots.
In the coming academic year, Exeter College will deliver three levels of engineering apprenticeships: Intermediate (level 2), Advanced (level 3) and Higher (level 4). And several different pathways will be available: electrical, mechanical, maintenance, technical support, welding, and robotics and automation.
All of these machines and equipment, together with high quality teaching, will give Exeter College students a head start when it comes to future employment.
The facilities will be ready for new students in September, with a grand opening taking place in the autumn.
Exeter College is about to unveil its new multi-million pound centre of excellence with cutting-edge robotics and engineering technology. The facilities will be ready for the new intake of students in September, with a grand opening taking place in October.
Thursday 15th June 2017 was a proud and memorable day for the International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) based in the heart of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. On that appropriately hot and sunny day, the IBTC launched its first fully restored boat – Isabel II - from one of the dockyard’s slipways. The restoration project took approximately two years to complete.
Axminster Tools & Machinery has supplied the college with a wide range of machines and hand tools used to carry out the restoration. Other support has included the annual summer fair and workshops for students with tool specialists such as Lie-Nielsen. Also, the IBTC has its own dedicated Axminster technical consultant.
Isabel II is launched
Isabel II, a 21 foot open wooden motor boat built in 1947, lives in Poole Harbour and has been in the same family for 70 years. Her first owner was Dr Edward Andreae. However, she is now owned by all the surviving descendants of Dr Andreae including some of his great, great grandchildren. So when champagne was poured over her bow at the launch, many members of the Andreae family were present to see a much loved vessel restored to her former glory.
Hugo Andreae (grandson, co-owner and editor of Motor Boat & Yachting magazine) said, “Honestly, she looks like a different boat. I’ve grown up with her all of my life and when she first came here she was in a pretty tired state. Now she is looking absolutely immaculate. She’s been beautifully finished, beautifully painted and she really is like a brand new boat. I’ve never seen her look this good.”
When asked how important it is that there are facilities like the IBTC to preserve the country’s heritage, Mr Andreae replied, “I think it’s absolutely vital because they’re not just preserving boats for everybody to enjoy, but they’re preserving the skills to look after many boats like Isabel. So I think it is essential that someone is preserving those skills as well as the boat.”
Octavia O’Reilly, Hugo’s aunt and the youngest and only surviving of Dr Andreae’s eight children, was present at the launch. She said she found the experience very emotional, bringing back many wonderful memories and expressed her gratitude to the IBTC.
Bright future for IBTC and students
Hereward Drummond, a trustee of the IBTC said, “This is what it’s all about. This is the culmination of everything they (IBTC students) have strived for.”
On the future of the college, Mr Drummond added, “We are supported by a number of providers of bursaries. So we are able to go to everybody – all walks of life, any age group and any gender – to appeal to them to do one of these courses. Once they graduate, I’m delighted to say, one hundred percent of all our graduates have got jobs. Some are in very traditional ships such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. Others have gone into more traditional boats, boatbuilding yards. Then there is scope for them to go into other types of woodwork, joinery and things like that. So there is plenty of opportunity for them once they have graduated.”
Still a mystery
One question still remains regarding Isabel II: who is she named after (and presumably there was an Isabel I)? Sadly no one seems to know the answer and that continues to be a mystery.
For more information about how Axminster has supported the IBTC, please take a look at our case study.
Please note that images are courtesy of IBTC Portsmouth and the Andreae family.
The IBTC Portsmouth launched its first fully restored boat named Isabel II on Thursday 15 June.
Earlier this month four young furniture professionals attended an industry experience day here at Axminster Tools & Machinery. This formed part of a three week programme The Furniture Makers’ Company put together, with the aim of giving the young professionals an insight into all aspects of the furniture industry including design, manufacture and retailing*.
The four young professionals who came to Axminster were:
- Ben Brook – customer service advisor at CD(UK)
- Sean Duffin – production manager at Andrew Muirhead & Sons
- Lisa Gould Sandall – furniture designer at Ercol
- Sam Ryan – business owner and entrepreneur at Sam Ryan Furniture
The group had already visited other companies including DFS, Parker Knoll, Ercol and Silent Night.
Focus on Lamello
Their day at Axminster focused around how we buy, market and sell Lamello. The young professionals had the chance to get to grips with a Lamello Zeta. And they saw demonstrations using both Clamex and Invis fittings.
In addition, they had a tour of the site and spent time with procurement, marketing and in the Axminster retail store. The purpose was to give them an understanding of the retail process, from buying and marketing to the sale of a product.
The whole experience so far has been both fascinating and surprising. You really don’t think about what goes on behind the scenes. I really enjoyed my day at Axminster and it was nice to be given the opportunity to get hands-on
Sean Duffin
National Design & Make Competition
During 2017/18 Axminster will be sponsoring the National Design & Make Competition. The competition is organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company for young furniture makers. It is open to those who are over 18 and in full or part time education. The design brief will ask students to design a piece of innovative, pioneering wood based furniture. The first placed winner will be awarded £1,000 Axminster gift card and one week’s work placement at Axminster. All winners will be announced at an event at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in May 2018.
Young Furniture Makers Exhibition
Axminster will also be sponsoring the Young Furniture Makers Exhibition taking place on Tuesday 10 October 2017. The exhibition gives the whole of the furnishing industry the chance to meet the rising stars of the future.
* The programme is open to aspiring young professionals and graduates who are progressing well through early employment and have aspirations of becoming future leaders of the industry. The intensive three week experience is ideal for those candidates whose employers will sponsor them, although The Furniture Makers’ Company will also consider applications from those who are currently between jobs.
Four young furniture professionals attended an industry experience day at Axminster Tools & Machinery. This formed part of a three week programme organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Congratulations to Cardiff Racing who came out overall winners of FSUK (Formula Student UK) 2017. The team put in an outstanding performance at Silverstone over the four days 20-23 July.
First ever UK winner of FSUK
Cardiff became the first UK team in history to win the four day competition. They performed well in a number of events. The team were second fastest in both the gruelling 22km Endurance Challenge and the 1km Sprint time trial, before penalties. The Cardiff University team came first after points were combined from eight separate challenges. They won five awards in total: Exxon Mobil innovation award, Bosch best engineered brake system, Jaguar Landrover virtual engineering award, sprint winner and the coveted overall FSUK17 winner.
Luca Di Marino (one of the drivers) and Alex Goff, joint team leaders, said, “We could never have dreamt of this in a million years. In all the years of competing at Formula Student, Cardiff have never been victorious so all credit must go to the team for a great effort – it’s beyond our wildest dreams. The other teams were great and we just want to thank the university as well as our families and friends for their support. We couldn’t have done it without them!”
Widespread improvements in car's design and build
Team lead Alex went on to say that the crew’s new car was “The best ever after widespread improvements.” The team installed an electric clutch, a three-cylinder Triumph Street Triple engine – more reliable and powerful than the previous Aprilia V-twin – and moved to a more efficient ethanol-based E85 fuel, reaching almost 90bhp out of the wheels.
After applying penalties, Cardiff came first in the Sprint time trial, as fastest team Bath lost points due to a cone collision. Judges then combined scores from this event with those from drag race-style acceleration tests, a figure-of-eight Skid-Pad Challenge and the Endurance Challenge.
International event
Approximately 100 teams from around the world competed in the IMechE event with both combustion and electric cars. Formula Student project leader Lucy Killington said, “It gives budding engineers real-life experience in design, manufacturing and business aspects.”
As well as the dynamic, moving challenges, judges awarded points for cost and sustainability, business presentation and engineering design. The cars came in various styles, with some like Cardiff using large wings and others opting for sleeker, wing-free designs.
You can read more about how Axminster Tools & Machinery has supported Cardiff Racing and their new car in a previous article.
Congratulations to Cardiff Racing who came out overall winners of FSUK (Formula Student UK) 2017. The team put in an outstanding performance at Silverstone over the four days 20-23 July.
Cardiff Racing team (part of Cardiff University) have just launched their 2017 car ahead of their first race of the season at Silverstone over the weekend of 20-23 July. The team is a combination of mainly final year engineering students at Cardiff University and volunteer undergraduates from the years below.
Axminster Tools & Machinery is one of the team’s sponsors and team members have been making use of an Axminster CNC Technology iKX3 mill to manufacture parts for the car.
Tribute to an icon
The car called CR13 is also known as ‘Gwyneth’ as a tribute to Tom Pryce the Welsh racing driver, whose mother’s name was Gwyneth. Tom is an icon in Wales and famous for winning the 1975 Brands Hatch Race of Champions, a non-championship Formula One race. Highlighting motorsport within Wales, Cardiff Racing decided to vinyl the car similar to Tom Pryce’s most famous car – the Shadow DN5. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Tom’s death.
Complete re-design
The 2017 model has undergone a complete re-design with several significant improvements over last year’s car. The biggest change is that it is much more aerodynamic with more drag and more side wings. Team CEO Alex Goff said: “This year’s car has 448.4N of downforce with only 164N of drag at 15m/s (a typical testing speed) which is 54% increase with a 10% increase in drag. This has been correlated at 78%.”
The team have also been working closely with Triumph Motorcycles at Hinckley in Leicestershire. As a result, CR13 is one of the most ambitious and innovative vehicles in recent years, with a new Triumph 675 Street Triple engine, electronically controlled clutch and specially tuned exhausts. It weighs approximately 205kg and has 90bhp, providing acceleration performance akin to supercars.
Another change is that there are two rather than three pedals: the accelerator and brake; the clutch is now on the steering wheel. Furthermore, the fuel is different, moving from regular petrol to E85. This is more energy efficient and dissipates heat more readily thereby cooling the engine, delivering a denser charge and hence is more powerful.
Silverstone and Most lie ahead
Among the drivers at this summer’s competitions are Luca Di Mario and Max Manns. The team has about 30 members, led by fourth year students: Luca (Chief Technical Officer), Alex Goff (CEO), James Willis (Chief Electrical Officer) and Alex Cason (Engine Lead).
The Cardiff team will be competing at Silverstone on 20-23 July where, at the very least, they are hoping to achieve a good position within the UK entrants. This year many of the German and Dutch teams will be absent because a Formula Student race is taking place in the Netherlands from 17-20 July. And some teams have opted to attend that race meeting.
Then in early August the team go to Most in the Czech Republic for their second and final race of the season. So, we wish the team all the very best for the 2017 season.
Cardiff Racing team members are keen to encourage an interest in engineering among much younger students. Hence, they have a prototype car which they take to schools in the area. The team also support the Welsh charity Tŷ Hafan, which offers comfort, care and support to life-limited children and their families throughout Wales, helping them make the most of the time they have left together.
For more about Cardiff Racing, please visit their Facebook page.
Cardiff Racing team (part of Cardiff University) have just launched their 2017 car ahead of their first race of the season at Silverstone over the weekend of 20-23 July.
Colyton Grammar School and Axminster Tools & Machinery have come together to support talented design and technology students at the school.
Besides being a retail and mail order tools and machinery business, we at Axminster have an engineering workshop where we make woodturning accessories and bandsaw blades. Consequently, engineering team leader David Foden has been working with Colyton students for the past six months. David who runs the innovation and manufacturing department at Axminster said:
I have found working with and supporting the students a very rewarding experience. From my point of view, I feel as though I’m putting something back into engineering. Plus I’m really pleased that two students have requested a work placement under my guidance at the company
Support for students
So far, David’s work with D&T teacher Jonathan Chambers has involved appraising students’ work for exams, and discussing projects and best practice. Students are extremely grateful for this ongoing support as they progress through their A-level. Thus, they will continue to receive mentoring and professional guidance from the business as David, Jonathan and the students have discussed plans for the year ahead. Year 12 student, Jason Wells, explains the benefits of this partnership:
D&T is more than just designing and building products; Axminster have been helping us improve communication and creative skills beyond what the A-level course offers
Colyton Grammar School is establishing a network of corporate supporters to enhance the experiences that students receive at the school. If you would like to learn more about this initiative, please go to the Colyton for Life website.
Long history
Founded in 1546, Colyton Grammar School has enjoyed a long and distinguished history. Today, it is a co-educational grammar school located in the village of Colyford, East Devon teaching students from years 7 to 13. The school has a tradition of high academic expectation, nurtured by a culture which values achievement in all activities. It fully supports the development of each student to accomplish success, gain self-confidence and be equipped as independent learners, ready to take their places as responsible 21st century citizens. Ofsted has classified Colyton Grammar School as 'Outstanding' in three successive reports. For more information about the school, please visit the website.
Axminster Tools & Machinery and Colyton Grammar School have come together to support talented D&T students at the school.
Charity organisation, Tools for Self Reliance (TFSR) recently welcomed six used Tormek sharpening machines to its HQ in Netley Marsh. The machines came from BriMarc Tools (sister company of Axminster) and Tormek. They were previously for the use of students at Leeds College.
Tools for Self Reliance collects tools for sending to development projects in Africa. More specifically to six African countries: Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The aim is to help local communities affected by poverty with the development of sustainable livelihoods and income diversification. These Tormek sharpening systems will be used in the charity's workshops throughout the UK to prepare tools for sending.
We are delighted to receive these. The six Tormeks will be fully cleaned and checked before being passed on to the refurbishing groups that will gain most benefit from them. We recognise that Tormek are the gold standard when it comes to tool sharpening machines. They will enable our volunteer groups to produce finished chisels and planes sharpened to a high standard. We are very grateful to both BriMarc and Tormek for their kind and generous donation. We can assure you we will put them to very good use.
Ian Limbrick, Deputy CEO of Tools for Self Reliance
Volunteer groups
Throughout the UK, there are a total of 778 volunteers working for TFSR. The majority of these volunteers work in 45 volunteer groups spread from Aberdeen to the south coast. Each group has a workshop where they collect tools donated by members of the public. In the workshops, they refurbish them to ‘as new’ standard and send them on to Netley Marsh for inclusion in kits sent to Africa. Without the volunteers TFSR would not be able to provide tools together with vocational and business training to its project participants. In 2016 the charity trained and equipped 3,705 people working with its partner organisations in the six countries listed within Africa.
Charity organisation, Tools for Self Reliance (TFSR) recently welcomed six used Tormek sharpening machines to its HQ in Netley Marsh. The machines came from BriMarc Tools (sister company of Axminster) and Tormek. They were previously for the use of students at Leeds College. Tools for Self Reliance collects tools for sending to development projects in Africa. More specifically to six African…
Master Woodturner Glenn Lucas, from County Carlow, flew in from Dublin to demonstrate for Axminster Woodturners Club recently.
The club was celebrating the 30th anniversary of the AWGB (Association of Woodturners of Great Britain). The AWGB had given the club a grant which they were able to use for the club members’ benefit. Hence, Glenn was their turner of choice to showcase his skills and share in the celebration with them.
Glenn is well known on the international woodturning stage and regularly tours in Europe, North America and the southern hemisphere.
Axminster Woodturners Club Secretary, Barrie Golding said: “We used the grant that the AWGB gave us to help with costs in bringing him over and paying any other incidentals. Our hall can take around 70 people which meant that we were able to offer around 20 places to other clubs in the South West, we could have sold out a couple of times such was the demand. We felt especially privileged in getting Glenn over here as it was his only date in the UK this year. He turned out to be a marvellous guest and a thoroughly entertaining demonstrator.”
Barrie went on to say: “The day started early on Saturday, most of the setup was done on the Friday night, people started to arrive well before nine for a 10am start. We prayed for a dry day as parking was in an adjacent field, we had a tractor on standby, that part of the plan went well. We supplied coffee and tea throughout the day, woodturners love to talk a lot, and a very hearty beef stew with crusty bread at lunchtime.”
Glenn’s programme began with him turning a Viking bowl in the same style as the one unearthed in 2015 in Fishamble Street, Dublin. He followed with an Irish platter, a utility bowl and an insight into the sharpening techniques he uses.
Raffle prizes
Axminster Tools & Machinery, the main raffle sponsor, generously supplied an Evolution chuck and some C jaws for prizes. Glenn also donated one of his bowls and some DVDs. According to Barrie, this made the selling of tickets very easy.
Barrie concluded: “The day went very quickly and all the hard work done by the members of the club was well rewarded with a great day enjoyed by all. Glenn was entertained that evening by a few club members at a local hostelry where he could unwind after the barrage of questions and the non-stop talking of the day. An event like this at a small club cannot happen without the commitment of its members, all of which supported the meeting in some way or another.”
Glenn flew back to Dublin on the Sunday morning. A tough week lay ahead of him, then a tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Master Woodturner Glenn Lucas, from County Carlow, flew in from Dublin to demonstrate for Axminster Woodturners Club recently. The club was celebrating the 30th anniversary of the AWGB (Association of Woodturners of Great Britain). The AWGB had given the club a grant which they were able to use for the club members’ benefit. Hence, Glenn was their turner of choice to…
Axminster Tools & Machinery is all geared up to attend the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition at Farnborough next week.
The Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition describes itself as "The UK’s biggest and most comprehensive industrial technology show, bringing together an unrivalled selection of top-name companies from the UK, Europe and beyond".
According to the organisers, the show is a must-attend event for every industrial engineering and manufacturing professional. Many leading industry suppliers will be exhibiting, plus free seminars, new product launches and live demonstrations will be on offer.
Although Axminster’s product development team have visited the show in the past, this will be the first time the company has a stand. "We will be displaying some exciting and innovative products" said account manager Antony Jempson.
Axminster will be showcasing its own brands of machinery. This will include the Axminster CNC Technology Series iKX3 mill and iKC6 lathe. Also, pillar drills from the Axminster Engineer Series will be on display. These machines are perfect for prototype engineering, small component makers, research & development and the education sector, including University Technical Colleges.
The team will demonstrate the two CNC machines, milling an aluminium component and turning a brass component on the lathe.
For a friendly welcome, come and meet the Axminster team on stand S86.
Where, when and what time
Venue
FIVE
Farnborough
Hants
GU14 6XL
Dates
Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 March 2017
Times
Tuesday & Wednesday 0930-1630
Thursday 0930-1530
To pre register, please click here.
Axminster Engineer Series PIllar Drills
Axminster Tools & Machinery is all geared up to attend the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition at Farnborough next week. The Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition describes itself as “The UK’s biggest and most comprehensive industrial technology show, bringing together an unrivalled selection of top-name companies from the UK, Europe and beyond”. According to the organisers, the show is a…
Preparations for the 2017 FS (Formula Student) racing season are well under way at Cardiff Racing as the team gets ready to defend its 'best in Wales' and Top 5 position in the UK.
With a new Triumph sponsored triple 675 engine and ongoing engineering developments, the team has sets its sights on even better results at the main UK event to be held at Silverstone between 19-23 July. The team also hopes to compete abroad later in the year.
Team lead Alex Goff says "Typically we do very well in design and cost and last year finished second in business and third in cost at FS Hungary. Currently, car production is in full swing and the chassis/monocoque hybrid has finished manufacture and various other parts are now being machined and assembled.
"This year, with a new engine we will be looking to improve reliability and speed and so should perform better in the endurance race. Because of this, we are hoping for first or second in the UK."
The iKX3 CNC milling machine on loan to the team has most recently been used to manufacture a number of specially designed components including the pedal box and suspension mounts.
For all the latest news about Cardiff Racing please visit their Facebook page.
Preparations for the 2017 FS (Formula Student) racing season are well under way at Cardiff Racing as the team gets ready to defend its ‘best in Wales’ and Top 5 position in the UK. With a new Triumph sponsored triple 675 engine and ongoing engineering developments, the team has sets its sights on even better results at the main UK event…
Axminster Tools & Machinery has recently been listed in the top 250 ecommerce and multichannel retailers as detailed in the Internet Retailing UK (IRUK) Top 500 report 2017, moving up a level from the top 350 group where the company was placed in 2016.
Axminster is now in the same group as well known brands such as Harvey Nichols, Ralph Lauren, Reebok and Yankee Candle. The company is also higher up the list than other familiar names including Fortnum & Mason, Iceland, The North Face and Plumbase.
The IRUK research team has looked in depth at the UK’s leading ecommerce and multichannel retailers, comparing and contrasting the capabilities of these top-level traders to see where and how the best retailers excel.
IRUK has taken an analytical approach that ranges across six Performance Dimensions. By doing this, IRUK aims to understand and learn from high-performing retailers what best practice is in this highly competitive market, and how it can best be fostered and encouraged in other businesses across the industry. This combined capability is what is referred to as ‘RetailCraft’ and constitutes a striving for excellence that’s responsive to the customer.
Six performance dimensions were measured:
1. Strategy and Innovation: the extent to which the retailer is adapting for growth, international commerce and customer responsiveness.
2. The Customer: measuring the experience from the customer’s point of view.
3. Operations and Logistics: delivery, returns and collections.
4. Merchandising: displaying and describing products with efficient site navigation.
5. Brand Engagement: making brands familiar to the customer and connecting.
6. Mobile and Cross-channel: beyond single ecommerce or store channels.
A seventh performance dimension was also applied: Footprint. This covers UK retail turnover, ecommerce penetration, web reach and store estate of retail businesses. IRUK then modify and weight this analysis through consideration of the above six dimensions.
Axminster attributes this result to a committed web, social media and digital marketing team. Dedicated customer service and logistics teams are strong, with the company averaging 9.7 out of 10 on Trust Pilot. With its eight stores across the UK, face-to-face retailing is still strong too.
Managing Director Alan Styles commented “The results of this research are very interesting. They are based on a set of criteria we’ve been focusing on and improved upon.”
Alan went on to say “On sales and market penetration, we’ve had very competitive pricing on power tools. We have linked our product expertise to helping customers with solutions for their businesses or hobbies with information and videos on our website, and through our trained sales team via webchat, by phone, in retail or through a field based team. We are also running a national TV campaign together with door-drop leaflets in selected areas of the UK.
“In the area of strategy and innovation, we have a website that is mobile friendly, adapts for export and has good information and links. From the customer experience aspect, service and quality are vitally important, and remain a key priority. On the logistics front, we use quality carriers who offer excellent features, and we have continued with the £1 delivery. We have a strong brand, dynamic pricing and multiple stores. I think we should feel extremely encouraged to have moved up within a year from the top 350 to top 250.”
View the full list here.
Axminster Tools & Machinery has recently been listed in the top 250 ecommerce and multichannel retailers as detailed in the Internet Retailing UK (IRUK) Top 500 report 2017, moving up a level from the top 350 group where the company was placed in 2016. Axminster is now in the same group as well known brands such as Harvey Nichols, Ralph…