UK’s leading independent builders’ merchant offering a vast range of building, landscaping, kitchen, bathroom & plumbing materials across 130+ local branches.
Provide product advice, customer service, and support new accounts as a trade counter apprentice.
16 days ago ago
Entry-level
Apprenticeship
Barrow-In-Furness, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
Company Size
1,556 Employees
Service Specialisms
Kitchen Design
Bathroom Design
Landscaping
Timber & Sheet Materials
Building Materials
Plumbing & Heating
Tools
Electrical and Workwear
Sector Specialisms
Residential
Commercial
Buildings
Landscaping
Role
Description
account management
issue resolution
customer service
data entry
new business
product availability
Work closely with the Branch Director/ Business Development Manager on all new accounts to introduce the business and arrange an appointment for the Branch.
Help to identify issues that could lead to customer complaints / loss of business and proactively resolve these.
Become a trusted business partner to your customers.
Provide friendly, accurate and efficient customer service both via the telephone and face to face.
Identify and approach customers in need of help and advice.
Work a 44.25-hour week (Monday to Friday including alternate Saturday mornings)
Ensure customer details are accurate and recorded correctly.
Support the branch in generating new customers.
Check product availability and offer alternatives where necessary.
Requirements
numeracy
literacy
Good numeracy and literacy skills
Benefits
Enhanced Maternity
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to work scheme.
Holiday Purchase Scheme
Substantial Employee Discount
Perkbox discounts
Enhanced Paternity
Substantial staff discounts
A competitive pay package.
Contributory pension scheme
Holiday scheme which rewards length of service
Generous discretionary bonus scheme
Mental Health Support
Free parking
Training and development opportunities
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
Information not given or found
Security clearance
Information not given or found
Company
Overview
1995 Founded
Year Established
The company was established in 1995, marking the beginning of its journey in the industry.
130 Branches
Branch Network
The company has expanded its operations to over 130 branches across England, Scotland, and Wales.
2023 Platform Launch
Digital Transformation
In 2023, the company launched a headless e-commerce platform to enhance customer shopping experiences.
November 2023
New Branch Opening
The 124th branch opened in November 2023, focusing on plumbing, heating, renewables, and roofing.
Began as a single branch and grew through a unique branch ownership model, empowering local directors.
Privately backed by Bain Capital since 2017.
Each branch is independently managed, offering strong local expertise and free delivery or click-and-collect service tailored to both trade professionals and homeowners.
Stocks a comprehensive range—from bulk aggregates, bricks, and timber to tools, kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, plumbing, heating, and electrical supplies.
Signature projects include branch-level kitchen and bathroom showroom installations with free 3D design services and on-site timber cutting.
Consistently expanding, with a focus on local staffing and specialized services.
Culture + Values
Great customer service. We give customers more of what they want, and nothing is too much trouble.
Passionate about teamwork, we all share in our success.
Taking ownership and doing the right thing.
Striving for continuous improvement.
Supporting our local communities.
We all go home safe.
Environment + Sustainability
Revenue £927m
Strong Financial Growth
Revenue increased by 13% to £927 million in the year ending 30 September 2023.
Sustainable Products Tripled
Expansion of Eco-Friendly Offerings
Number of sustainable products for sale was trebled in 2023.
EcoVadis Bronze
Sustainability Accreditation
Achieved bronze status in EcoVadis sustainability rating.
Committed to sourcing products in a way that does not have a negative impact on people and the environment
Supplier Code of Conduct requires environmental responsibility: energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, sustainable materials, hazardous‑substance control
All timber sourced is legal and UKTR‑compliant, with full chain‑of‑custody certification since 2009
Member of Timber Development UK and Scottish Timber Trade Association, adhering to responsible purchasing codes
Zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery, including supplier training under the Modern Slavery Act