Success leads to expansion into
DAVE Scott and Steve Parnell set up Scott Parnell, a groundwork and civil engineering merchant in 2012. Now in its fourth year of trading the independent merchant has a turnover in excess of £22m and employs more than 40 members of staff.
Prior to forming Scott Parnell the joint managing director’s knew each other well having worked together at a well-known drainage and civils merchant.
With years of experience in the industry, they felt there was a gap in the market for the smaller independent merchant specialising in groundworks and civils which could offer a personable service with high levels of product knowledge and the ability to offer cost effective alternative solutions.
Despite being in the midst of a recession in early 2012, Mr Scott and Mr Parnell believed the construction market would pick back up in the near future.
So, with a strategy in place, the new company was formed. On August 17, 2012, Scott Parnell began trading from its premises in Witham.
The site now holds more than 1,200 product lines, increasing daily, adapted to customer’s needs.
Within six months of opening its first branch, the business expanded opening a second branch in Milton Keynes and a further rail division in London.
Growth for Scott Parnell has been achieved through a loyal customer base and experienced personnel, some giving up over 15 years of service at previous companies. The joint MD’s feel that their ‘people’ have a huge influence over the company’s success and plan to grow its workforce along with network of branches.
The aim is to build a sustainable business, based around some of the best people in the industry.
Key relationships
Having built a number of key supplier relationships over the years in the industry, Scott Parnell was fortunate to have several of these suppliers support it them from the start.
Scott said: “Supplier relationships have been vital for us from the start and during our expansion we continue to support those who have supported us throughout our journey”
Scott Parnell has also received increased support from NMBS and the independent buying group IBC. “Being members of these organisations has been invaluable and helped us grow as a business,” said Mr Parnell.
Since opening its doors four years ago, Scott Parnell has grown substantially. This expansion according to Mr Parnell is only due to having a loyal customer base and fantastic personnel.
Expansion into Wales
Scott Parnell is excited to be opening its first branch in Wales. With the recent decline and closure of civils distributors in the South Wales valleys, Scott Parnell appointed Leanne Horrigan director for Wales.
With more than 15 years of experience in the local market, Leanne will take responsibility of establishing the business in Wales and South West of England.
Dave Scott, director, said: “We are delighted to bring Scott Parnell to Wales. We feel there is great opportunity for the personable and technical service we can offer the groundworks and civils market.”
“The new 2.7-acre site, situated in Hirwaun, on the Heads of the Valleys – a prime area of South Wales – is now operational offering a service to customers working in south, west and Mid Wales, plus parts of the South West of England.
“The growth and success of the business in such a short period has exceeded all expectations making us eager to expand our network.
“This new super site in Wales will allow us the capacity to develop our people, stocks and transport, enabling great coverage and service across Wales and the South West of England.
“We plan to have a similar footprint to our Witham operation, where we manage a fleet of nine vehicles covering a large area of the South-East of England.”
Determined to succeed
Reflecting back on how far Scott Parnell has come, it has exceeded all expectation.
Mr Parnell said: “We have exceeded so much in such a short period of time and we are very proud of that.
“We are still growing and excited by our expanding our footprint.”
For all enquires please contact Leanne Horrigan email: Leanne@Scott Parnell.com www.scottparnell.com