Both in their 30s, the young managers have already injected their respective branches with a new vibrancy and enthusiasm. Kyle McCallion has taken on Branch Manager duties at the L’Derry branch of MacBlair. He joined the branch 10 years ago and started his career at MacBlair on the trade counter. From there he worked in the yard before progressing to sales and then Sales Manager. In November 2016, he was appointed Branch Manager. “It’s fair to say that I know the job pretty well. From working on the trade counter, I have excellent product knowledge while my time in sales also gave me another slant on the industry. My new role of Branch Manager is a challenge but with the support of a strong team I feel I’m well equipped to deal with any issues that may arise. Every day is different. I’m really enjoying it,” said Kyle.

L'Derry

There are 12 members of staff at this busy builders’ merchants which moved premises only five years ago. Since then, the business has grown significantly, despite competition from other merchants in the surrounding area. Roofing products in particular have proven extremely popular with customers. “As well as the roofing products we stock, our new floor and door display has been very well received by customers. All members of staff have had product training on the ranges and indeed on all products that we supply.”

A friendly and knowledgeable team at the branch ensures customers leave the store with the right product for the job while a diverse and varied product range keeps customers coming back time and again. The branch’s ‘Here to Help’ motto is reflected by all members of staff who have several years of experience in the trade between them. “Quality customer service is the ethos at MacBlair and it’s something we take very seriously here at the L’Derry branch.”

Eglinton

Robert Burry also took up his new Branch Manager role at MacBlair Eglinton in November 2016. Another longstanding MacBlair employee, he has been with the company since 2003. “I started on the trade counter, went into internal sales and then onto Sales Manager before taking up the Branch Manager position. It’s a great opportunity for me and nice to have so much experience already behind me. I’m really enjoying my new role and am looking forward to putting my experience to good use this year and beyond,” said Robert.

Most of the 18 staff members at the Eglinton branch have been with the company for over five years so customers are guaranteed a high level of product knowledge. “We pride ourselves on our customer service and I see it as our biggest strength. We cover a very wide range from plumbing and heating to really everything you need to build a house. It’s that varied range that has opened us up to a diverse mix of customers. “We also have a Watershed Bathrooms & Tiles showroom showcasing a diverse range of styles to meet all budgets.”

A buoyant trade counter at MacBlair Eglinton is the result of the branch’s staff. “Business was excellent in 2017 and, so far, it’s looking like we’ll be building on that success in 2018. As well as offering customers excellent service, we also stock a very extensive range of products. We’re fairly confident that whatever the customer is after, we’ll have it in stock, even if it’s a niche product.” Robert says MacBlair Eglinton has a strong base of regular customers who have been using the branch for several years. “In saying that, there are a lot of potential customers out there who may not have realised that we are part of MacBlair. Now that people have started to make the connection and recognise that we are part of a company with such a respected reputation, it has already attracted new interest.”

With such experienced and enthusiastic new managers at the helm in Eglinton and L’Derry, it looks like MacBlair is set to go from strength to strength.

Read the article in full in the latest edition of Northern Builder Magazine.

http://www.northernbuilder.co.uk/north-west-excellence-from-macblair/