Nicholls & Clarke are manufacturers and distributors of a wide portfolio of building materials within the UK and internationally. As a business that has been in operation for over 140 years, they are accustomed to making continually development and realigning their business to meet the demands of the current market. As part of a strategic operational efficiency initiative N&C continue to make improvements to increase productivity and drive down costs in order to continue delivering competitive products and services to its customers and to re-align its positioning in the markets it operates.
Infrastructure Development
Over recent years, Nicholls & Clarke have invested significantly in their infrastructure to further strengthen and stabilise their operations and create an improved platform for their customers. In 2018, N&C are building a new transportation infrastructure hub, as well as a 50,000 sq ft distribution extension at their Head Office. Furthermore, the business have invested over £500,000 in their existing fleet of commercial vehicles, including an additional investment into a digital communications system for their transportation network and investing over £2 million in manufacturing.
Investment in show rooms
As well as their infrastructure, the business has invested heavily in their nationwide showrooms. Investments include a new external paving display at each of their 18 showrooms. N&C Tiles and Bathrooms, Coventry has completed a major refurbishment of their show room to double the size of their space. They have also initiated an express collect service. N&C Tiles and Bathrooms, New Southgate finalised their major refurbishment of their show room in May 2018 with many additional sites involved in refurbishment projects to improve their trade counters and displays to enhance customer experience.
Product Innovations and Investments
N&C have invested in 83 new product launches to date in 2018 across the business. Investments include the introduction of new, high performance adhesive formulations, as well as the innovative, patented technology found in Premier Infinity Shower Deck that enables the waste to be moved to avoid the joist. A huge benefit to wet room installers and an attractive, seamless finish for house builders and homeowners.
Improvements in Distribution
N&C have made significant improvements to their distribution service from 5 dedicated, specialised distribution hubs based in Glasgow, Plymouth, Southampton, Cardiff and Chadwell Heath.
Part of the new initiative, N&C have restructured its Stoke-On-Trent branch to feature a show room, displaying the latest products and solutions, with a fully operational trade customer collection service. All sales operations for the Company’s independent living solutions brand, Phlexicare, and all Nicobond tiling solutions and tile operations will be transferred to their nearest N&C Distribution Depots.
The Company restructure has arisen due to external factors that are redefining their model in order to continue investing and evolving the business. For more information, please call 020 8586 4600 or email info@nichollsandclarke.com
