Chamber members invited behind the scenes at Screwfix

12 February 2018

One of the region’s largest employers has opened its doors to a group of Somerset Chamber members, giving them a rare opportunity to look ‘behind the scenes’ of the leading Somerset brand.

With spaces limited to 50 people, the exclusive event sold out well in advance. Prior to a tour of the firm’s Yeovil headquarters, delegates heard from directors in the company’s marketing, legal, international trade, HR and finance departments. They provided insight into how Screwfix structures its various departments, how it markets to trade and DIY customers in different ways, and got a feel for the sheer complexity of having over 550 locations and around 10,000 staff.

The directors’ presentations highlighted the people-focused culture at Screwfix that has allowed the business to grow so rapidly, almost doubling turnover in the last four years. Screwfix has over 550 stores nationwide and is part of Kingfisher plc, the international home improvement company, with over 1,200 stores in 10 countries covering Europe, Russia and Turkey.

Loren Gray, Events Manager at Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said, “I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with Screwfix for this event. What an invaluable opportunity for our members to be given access and insight into such an iconic Somerset brand! The presentations were really engaging and demonstrated clearly that customers and employees are at the heart of what they do.”

Screwfix Business to Business Manager, Stephen Henagulph, commented, “It was a pleasure for us to host this event. As an active member of Somerset Chamber we feel it is key we share our journey with other local businesses. Our directors really enjoyed telling the Screwfix story and the positive feedback received from attendees. I’m looking forward to working on future events with the Chamber.”

Nigel Reece from Cognique Digital Marketing Agency was one of the Somerset Chamber members who attended the event. He commented, “Putting your own business under the microscope and inviting questions from the audience is a brave move. Screwfix delivered an honest and insightful seminar that was as interesting as it was inspiring.”

Alistair Tudor, Head of Chamber Services at Somerset Chamber, added, “Events like this really highlight the unique opportunities our members get to connect with local businesses and I’d like to thank the directors of Screwfix for their welcoming and informative approach. We’re already looking into the possibility of hosting other Behind the Scenes events later in the year as part of our comprehensive events programme for 2018, so watch this space!”