29-Ridgeons Building Merchants News 260707-3

Subscribe to newsletter

Editor's Note: Ridgeons provide:-

Building Merchants

Request Information

Home
Include Article
Advertise

Links
Request Information
Terms of use
Contact

Request Facilities / Interiors product information

Request Architectural product information A-J

Request Architectural product information K-Z

Request Mechanical HVAC product information

Request Electrical product information

Ridgeons - Major expansion for merchant's plumbing operation

Leading timber and builders merchant Ridgeons has launched a major expansion of the heating and plumbing side of its business with the aim of providing comprehensive coverage as its branch network grows. To support the expansion, the company has established a staff training facility at its Saffron Walden site.

Nineteen of the company’s 20 branches now carry full ranges of heating and plumbing products, including a full range of heating boilers, with key stock ranges from leading manufacturers such as Honeywell, Albion, Kermi and Pegler.

Product group manager Dave Jordan explains: “We originally stocked plumbing and heating products in just three of our branches but it is our aim to be seen as a serious player in this aspect of the market. Initially we set out to address the major training issues that this raises as plumbing and heating products generally involve very technical sales. The business has always been known in the industry as having well trained staff so in order to offer a consistent quality of service, we had to ensure that we trained staff on the plumbing side to the same standards.”

Working with Cambridge Regional College, Ridgeons has designed its own plumbing course, linking it with the BMF/MOL (Manchester Open Learning) modules covering the product knowledge programme for trade counter and sales staff. All staff involved on the plumbing side of the business are required to take the course and are encouraged to take on the additional modules on subjects such as health and safety and customer care that will lead to City & Guilds qualifications.

Having set an example by achieving a City & Guilds Certificate himself, Dave Jordan says: “The course is split between practical and theory and every member of staff is tested at the end of it. In addition, we provide them with books covering water regulations and plumbing standards so that they have permanent reference material available. The aim is to give them a good working knowledge of the industry which enables them to offer a professional service to our trade and retail customers.”

Using premises at its Saffron Walden site, Ridgeons has set up a workshop where staff have hands-on practical training in aspects such as cutting and soldering and radiator fitting. Each course comprises six full-day sessions over a six week period. The company is currently putting together a second course covering solar and underfloor heating products.

Email: HChambers@wyattinternational.com

ISG Jackson Interior Exterior Renovation Refurbishment News 130707

Bovis Lend Lease UK Construction project management News 130707

Chartered Institute of Building Building Control and Standards News 160707

Cross Services Engineering Ltd Engineering service company switchgear systems News 160707

Viessmann Boiler supply company heating system types News 160707

Ardex UK Screeds Renders Ceramic Adhesives Grouts News 060707

British Harlequin plc Studio dance arts special flooring News 160707

Toshiba Air Conditioning Air conditioning systems refrigeration 170707

Dimplex Heating underfloor air curtains casing panels News 070707

Reynaers Architectural aluminium systems News 070707

British Gypsum Plaster, Plasterboard and Drylining Systems News 170707

Slaney Direct Ltd Electric linear actuator hvac control valves News 170707