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Summary

Bluestones One is honoured to have had the opportunity to collaborate with B&Q and its partners in the implementation of their expansive paint refresh initiative, entitled ‘Paint Neutron’. In order to sustain its position as a leader in the paint industry, B&Q must continuously adapt its offerings and services to meet the ever-changing demands of its customer base.

As a critical component of this refresh, Bluestones One was entrusted with the responsibility of executing engagement visits, developing phasing plans, conducting implementation meetings, furnishing comprehensive CDM documentation, and deploying expert teams of installation and merchandising personnel.

As part of this refresh we were asked to provide a full end to end project management service.

Planning

Bluestones One provide the following aspects for every project:
Project management

Complete engagement visits

Create a phasing plan by store

Provide full CDM documentation

Store by store costings

Deliver in line with agreed schedule

Establish and supply all resource needs for Site Management, SIERS trained Installation teams and Merchandising teams

Challenges

In most cases, Bluestones One Team was the principle contractor and provided site management cover for every store.

Over the course of 5 to 15 days per store, our team worked overnight to tackle the challenge of executing store phasing and racking rebuilds in accordance with the new store plan. Our scope of work extended beyond the mere physical installation of new structures, and included activities such as merchandise alignment to planograms, deployment of POS across all store areas, repositioning of high-level isle number signage, and relocation and reconstruction of paint desks.

Given the tight timeframe and the complexity of the project, meticulous planning was essential to ensure the successful completion of all tasks to a high standard. Our team’s goal was to ensure that each store was fully prepared to commence trading the following day.

Results

Bluestones One received fantastic feedback from the customer for the delivery and results of such a large-scale programme.

Completed 59 store moves & refreshes

Bluestones One team successfully completed a total of 59 B&Q store moves and refreshes over an 18-week period.

The highest standards

Bluestones One was able to deliver an optimal solution that effectively transformed the appearance and aesthetics of all stores, resulting in an enhanced and superior overall finish.

In memory of Harry Stringer

In memory of Harry Stringer

In loving memory of Harry Stringer On Monday the 7th March 2022, we lost one of our most loved site supervisors. Harry passed away suddenly after suffering a heart attack 1 week prior to his passing. Harry was a much loved and well respected mentor and friend in the retail merchandising world and in particular the D.I.Y sector. Harry made his debut in the retail industry working for Homebase in 1987 where he served for 20 years in roles such as Store Manager and in the later part of his Homebase career in the Store Format team. Harry then moved on to work for several Merchandising and Installation companies completing roles mainly working on Format Projects for B&Q. Harry was versatile and would do whatever role was required of him whether it be Site Supervisor, Retail Change Partner, Siers Supervisor or Team Leader. Over the last 12 years Harry worked for Dee Set and most recently Bluestones One. He will be sadly missed and we send our condolences to all of Harry’s family and friends. RIP Harry. Here’s what Bluestones One Director, Gary Lowe had to say shortly after Harry’s passing: “We are all shocked and devastated by the sad

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