|
| | | | |
|
 | | MAJOR EXPANSION FOR MERCHANT’S PLUMBING OPERATION | | | Ridgeons Group | | 24/07/2007 | | | 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. | |
|
| | | View similar articles: | | |
| | | |
|
 | People who viewed this article were also interested in |  | |  |
|
| Other articles from Ridgeons Group | | | |
|