Jake Knight, Head Engineer here at Axminster Tools & Machinery, has become a ‘Young Pioneer’ and joined The Manufacturer Top 100. Jake received his award at a gala reception in Liverpool earlier this month.

The Manufacturer magazine's Top 100, in partnership with Cranfield University, is a showcase for the most inspiring individuals in industry. These individuals exemplify the enthusiasm and commitment present in modern manufacturing. Awardees come from all walks of UK industry, from the shop floor to the top level. Nominations for the 100 individuals came from customers, team members, their leaders or from those they lead. Therefore they are among the very best that UK manufacturing has to offer. Furthermore, the 100 are catalysts for change, striving for innovation, the newest technologies and pioneering business models. To sum up, they are the driving force behind the UK’s manufacturing industry.

On receiving the award Jake said:

It came as such a surprise to me both being nominated and then going on to win. I‘m thrilled to bits. I’m very happy that hard work is recognised and it motivates me even more. Another positive outcome is that I can now nominate two people for next year’s awards, which is really exciting.


Trustpilot

Axminster Tools enjoyed further success when the company discovered that it now ranks number 1 out of 64 in the category “Tool Shop” on Trustpilot. Trustpilot.com is a consumer review website which hosts reviews of businesses worldwide. Customer Service Manager Helen Terry said:

This is a significant achievement and the result of everyone’s hard work and contribution. Customers have also commented on our catalogue, the quality of the products we sell and the packaging. It is clear from these reviews that there is not just one aspect of our service which has put us in the top spot, but it is a result of fantastic teamwork.

Trustpilot Best Tool Shop

Which? magazine

What’s more, in a survey for Which?, Axminster came third, scoring 83% in the Top 10 for the DIY and Decorating category including a 5 star rating for range, quality, ease of ordering and practicality of delivery. Axminster felt this was a big achievement, since the company doesn't offer as wide a selection of this type of product as the two companies in first and second place.

83% in the Top 10 for DIY and Decorating category
83% in the Top 10 for DIY and Decorating category

An impressed shopper told the magazine:

Its (Axminster Tools’) customer service is 10 out of 10. I buy from Axminster with confidence.

The same shopper, who has attended courses at Axminster’s Skill Centre, added: “(It’s) not really a fair comparison in that Screwfix are good for general building supplies and Toolstation merely a catalogue house”. Managing Director Alan Styles commented: "He’s absolutely correct. I believe to score well in the category of DIY and Decorating is great recognition. If it was purely on tools and machinery where would we be? The Which? article recognises everyone's hard work, particularly those in customer service and retail who make sure our service is 10 out of 10."