TRADING at the newest Devondale Electrical Distributors branch has surpassed expectations in the first six months of business.

The Weymouth branch opened in early May as part of company expansion plans into Dorset, after Devondale acquired A J Electrical Distributors, Bridport in April. 

The branch, in Granby Court on the busy Granby Industrial Estate, comprises three units totalling approximately four and a half thousand square foot – and the company is already considering expanding into a fourth unit to make space for extra products.

Branch Director, Jorge Diaz said: “We had to hit the ground running when we opened the doors. 

“We were so busy that Weymouth was the second highest performing branch in our opening month, which was no mean feat."

Jorge joined Devondale from a national electrical wholesaler, bringing 29 years of experience in the trade. He has built up an ambitious team comprising seven full-time and one part-time members of staff. 

The experienced team includes salesman Andy Davis with 27 years in the trade, Darren Evans on telephone sales and trade counter, 28 years, buyer Dave Parkes with 27 years. The rest of the team includes recently appointed administrator Miranda Tidswell and drivers Scott Hicks and Darren Day. The newest recruit is Adam Diaz who at age 17 is learning the business in the stores and on the trade counter. 

As a business, Devondale is committed to the Electrical Distributors Association apprenticeship scheme. The branch is currently looking for an apprentice to join the team and welcome approaches by phone or calling into the branch. 

Customers include local contractors and with several national accounts for the supply for light fittings, the branch has been kept busy. 

“Our strength comes from our experience, competitive pricing, and ability to deliver on time,” explained Jorge.

“In essence, we provide the same level of service as a bigger company but with a personal touch.”

As part of a growing branch network of 11 branches, Jorge and his team have access to thousands of products inter-branch, with guaranteed next day delivery. 

Like the Bridport branch, Devondale Weymouth is trading as ‘Devondale trading as A J Electrical Distributors’ to maintain continuity with the strong presence of the original Dorset business.

Jorge added: “We would like to thank everyone for their support for the branch and our business. 2017 has been quite a year for Devondale Weymouth so far."