SBS Dundee opened in Q2 this year, and new locations in Hull and Exeter opened earlier this month.

SBS Hull

With the business already possessing a significant customer base in the Humberside area, it was logical to open a dedicated branch in Hull to better service existing customers whilst taking some of the pressures off the established Leeds branch which had been servicing the area.

In addition to locations in Leeds and Sheffield, the Hull branch forms a ‘golden triangle’ across Yorkshire, promoting better branch access to the company's northern customer base and the better movement of stock around each location.

Hull’s 19,500+ sq. ft. unit is strategically located on the A1165 leading into the centre of Hull. The Sutton Fields Industrial Estate connects the inner and outer ring road networks, allowing easy access across, and in and out of the city of Hull, with the main docks also within easy reach.

Steve Walmsley, Hull’s branch manager, has worked within the industry since 1989, working at both BSS and Wolseley in his 35-year career. Walmsley brings with him a significant amount of wealth of experience, and knowledge of distribution and building services products.

Walmsley said: “After over 30 years in the industry, I am excited by this new opportunity as Branch Manager of SBS Hull. The site has recently opened, and we will deliver the excellent customer service our customers demand in this fast-paced industry, all while living the Smith Brothers promise of staff, stock and service!”

SBS Exeter

SBS Exeter became Smith Brothers’ most southerly location upon opening this month and sits on the M5 corridor going into Devon and Cornwall.

The 18,000+ sq. ft. unit is located on the Sowton Industrial Estate, offering prime access to J29 on the M5 and road networks leading into the centre of Exeter.

The branch is managed by Geoff Dove, who has over 30 years of industry expertise. For twenty of those years, Dove worked as branch manager at BSS Plymouth, Exeter and Romford branches. Over the past two years he has worked as BSS National Hire Manager covering the UK.

Dove said: “The new team at SBS Exeter are excited to have opened! The team has over 60 years of collective industry experience and is ready to start serving the Devon and Cornwall customers. We have strategically chosen a strong location minutes away from the M5 junctions 28 and 29, giving our customers easy access to our branch. We will offer a daily delivery service stretching from Lands’ End to Bristol. I look forward to revisiting old customers and friends in the industry and showcasing what Smith brothers can offer from a service and stock perspective.”

SBS Dundee

Following the success of SBS Glasgow since opening in 2020, Smith Brothers has expanded further into Scotland with a new branch in Dundee opening in Q2.

SBS Dundee’s 35,000+ sq. ft. unit is located within Claverhouse Industrial Park on Charles Bowman Avenue. It is situated on the north side of Dundee and is adjacent to the A90, a dual carriageway that runs from Dundee to Aberdeen.

Branch manager Grant Purdom has worked in the merchant distribution sector since 1990, where he kick-started his career at Brown & Tawse. He held various positions, from internal sales and sales office supervisor to deputy manager. In 1996 Wolseley Pipe Centre acquired Brown & Tawse which then led to Purdom becoming branch manager, network manager, and senior branch manager for Wolseley Pipe and Climate Centre.

Purdom’s objectives are clear: “We aim to provide the North of Scotland with the high level of service it deserves. We are a team of dedicated professionals who want our customers to enjoy every interaction with the branch. We will offer customers the stock they want when they want it.”