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A visit by Brian Hall, Editor
In 1992, the current MD, John Woodman purchased the company from his former employers. He reviewed the business at that stage, in a process which involved Business Link. This organisation facilitated some major rethinking with a series of reports and the company has been thriving ever since.
Eight years later, with sales increasing the business was once again relocated to its new premises in Weybridge in Surrey. In the last 2 years, turnover is still steadily increasing from just under £1 million in 2007 to just over £1.2 million last year.
Woodford Tools has experienced particularly strong growth in the past four years seeing a doubling of turnover. The company focus is primarily focussed on engineering and aerospace. In fact, the company's current location used to be an aircraft based trading estate. Cargo and maintenance are still major customers for the company's products but engineering businesses of typically up to 20 employees are also important contributors to the company's turnover.
Key products are cutting tools of various sorts as well as specialized abrasives. In addition to special carbide cutters, standard drill bits and taps and dies are still in demand.
As well as “hard” products; brushes and cleaning fluids, sprays foams and lubricants have a steady sale to the company's customer base. The products of Action, Procote, and Ambersil are in great demand.
In support of customers with needs for building and welding products, Woodford Tools offer a vast range of power tools , fixings, sealants, cutting and grinding consumables as well as a host of metal finishing products. The company also stocks a range of fasteners for its customers.
Since Woodfords expanded its trade counter, sales in that area have mushroomed and sales volume has increased from about 2% of turnover. The main emphasis has been on building and construction tools.
Woodford Tools’ marketing effort has been relatively low key with advertisements in local papers and special sales taking place about four times a year. Woodford Tools are keen supporters of THS as they feel the group offers better discounts and better accessibility for purchasing than would be the case for a company on its own. For example, before joining THS, the company didn't have a direct account with giants like 3M but now the company benefits from better technical information and better trading terms. The spin-off is significant in that Woodford Tools can maintain a stronger presence with its larger customers and provide service and support to the standards such companies require these days. In other words, THS helps cut through the red tape.
During the last 5 years of business, John's entrepreneurial sales tactics along with the vast experience of Keith Bell (for example: his instigation of the company’s membership of THS) and Jim Harpur plus the other loyal members of staff, Noreen, Stuart and Johnny D. have progressively pushed the business forward by securing major airport and local school and college contracts. As John Woodman says: “With the extra back up we get from THS Team and its suppliers, this has enabled Woodford Tools Ltd to become and remain very competitive” . “Running a successful growing business is all about relationships, creating opportunities and delivering a reliable service!” both John and Keith commented regarding the company's expansion.
“This year, Woodford Tools will be investing further in the growth of our trade counter” reports Jim, who is always keen to see new products and ideas introduced and enjoys meeting up with THS suppliers.
Woodford Tools, as relatively new members would like to take this opportunity to thank all at the THS Tools Group for their help so far, and all the best to its members and suppliers in the tough times ahead. Being associated with the THS group will certainly make things easier.
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