Wickes: New Stores & Refit Activity

News & Blog

Explore industry insights, merchandising tips, installation practices, project management, trends, regulations, company news and success stories.

15 October 2018

Summary

Bluestones One were very proud to support Wickes across its full New Stores & Refit programme.

We were tasked with delivering installation and merchandising activity across 7 and a half weeks for refits and 10 days for new store activity. By utilising our experienced installation and merchandising teams, we delivered phased activity on time and on budget.

Challenges

Wickes required an experienced, people-focused partner to supply them with talented teams, improving standards across the estate and driving efficiencies. By establishing an excellent relationship with the customers at all levels, we were able to deliver “right first time” on every level of this project. This was delivered through investment in training and support to our teams to ensure they understood the high standards of this fantastic retailer.

Results

By working closely with Wickes and delivering results above the required brief, we have continued to be awarded further stores and get involved in more projects across the Wickes estate and the wider Travis Perkins group. With our continued focus on developing our teams and building relationships with our customers, we hope to be working with Wickes for many more years.

Meet Martin Sweeney, Installations Director

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?I joined the business in February 2020 and was really excited with my role and new opportunity to develop. Unfortunately, I was grounded slightly by the pandemic. This then presented the business and me with lots of obstacles which we had never experienced but with the support from the internal team and from our partner company, Bluestones Investment Group (BIG), we overcame these. Whilst many businesses have failed to survive, Installations continued to develop and grow its customer base. The next few years may present many challenges, but I am excited to drive the business forward in the coming years. What do you enjoy about working in this industry?I believe you must be a self-motivator and be ready to tackle daily challenges. Each day presents itself with new challenges, and whilst this can be difficult, you get a sense of achievement when you deliver for the customer. One thing that really excites me is the opportunity to see lots of the UK whilst on client and site meetings. We have a fantastic internal support team who are young and ambitious, and this allows us to develop.

Meet Brian Gudgin: Team Leader

Tell us about your role at Bluestones OneI’m a Team Leader. How would you normally start your day at work?Before I start work, I arrive early to check what needs be done and set the team up for the day. What does a typical day at work look like for you?Profiling bays, merchandising, and making sure the team work correctly. What do you enjoy?I enjoy working with a variety of people and contracts. What’s the best thing about working at Bluestones One?I enjoy that the job keeps me busy and the team always help sort out any problems that occur.