Enhancing its product offering within the roofing side of the business, Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has taken stock of ClassicBond EPDM systems from Flex-R. The move offers Howarth Timber customers a wider choice of flat roofing waterproofing products in stock in branch, offering full project solutions to the trade.
The partnership sees six of Howarth Timber and Builder Supplies branches take in stock of Flex-R ClassicBond and ClassicBond Pro with plans to expand the product to the wider network.
Howarth Timber & Building Supplies was founded over 180 years ago in Leeds, and now operates from 35 branches spread out across the North, Midlands and South-East of England. Started as a family run business, it has grown from strength to strength under Nick and Andrew Howarth. While timber is at the heart of the business, the branches also serve as wider building materials suppliers and are looking to increase their stake in the roofing market.
Speaking on the partnership Paul Bullivant, Commercial Director for Howarth Timber, said “we’re delighted to be working with Flex-R. We’ve been looking to expand demand for similar products like the liquid waterproofing, as the EPDM gives our customers the flexibility to find a product that will suit the project they’re working on. Flex-R were a natural choice because of the quality of the product and the service they offer.”
The personal service and the product support from Flex-R were pivotal to developing the partnership between the two companies. Crucial to the relationship were Barry Shorrock, Sales Director at Flex-R and the Business Development Manager team, who are always on hand to provide support and answer any questions that Howarth Timber & Building Supplies have.
Paul summarised the process of coming onboard: “The team at Flex-R have been brilliant, Barry and his team worked with us at every step of the journey. They don’t just give you the stock and then leave you. As part of bringing the product in, they offered up training sessions for all the branch staff, from out in the yard to the sales teams, so everyone was confident in the product. They really made us feel valued. They make sure to train you well and to provide support both during and after training.”
For Flex-R, the development is a welcome and exciting one. Barry Shorrock, Sales Director at Flex-R explains. “Flex-R are delighted to be working with the Howarth Timber branch network. Our system improves their choice of flat roofing products to their customer base as well as bringing in new contractors. Our dedicated sales team throughout the UK will spend time training and enhancing the knowledge of ClassicBond EPDM within branch and to their customers. We’re looking forward to growing with them in the future and beyond!”
The partnership between Flex-R and Howarth Timber is a great opportunity for both companies. With both companies focusing on putting value not just behind quality product but on the value of service provided, it is a natural development for them to be working together.
For more information on Flex-R and it’s ClassicBond Range of EPDM systems, visit www.classicbond.co.uk.
