ADVERTORIAL
Edinburgh-based builders’ merchant Bell Donaldson Steele continues to go from strength-to-strength following the successful decision to open a second site
With a history dating back to the late 19th century, Bell Donaldson Steele is Edinburgh’s longest established ironmonger.
The business has evolved over the years and today counts itself as one of the capital’s top builders’ merchants, catering to a diverse range of construction needs from its current HQ in Westfield Street, Gorgie and a satellite base in the east of the city, which opened last year and has enjoyed a booming first year.
Almost 5,000 product lines are stocked in-store, covering all day-to-day requirements on site. Partnering with market-leading brands including Wera, Stanley, Bahco, Estwing, Makita, Dewalt, Paslode, Fein, Evolution, Irwin and ASSA, the portfolio ranges from hand and power tools through to site lighting, PPE, ladders, and a whole lot more. Joinery materials including woodscrews, drywalls, fixings, bolts, silicones, and adhesives are also available, as are timber connectors such as joist hangers and brackets.
While Bell Donaldson Steele is accustomed to dealing with premium products, the business prides itself on offering a varied range so customers can choose what works best for them. More cost-effective alternatives are available to suit all projects and budgets.
The company hasn’t forgotten its roots and still boasts an in-house ironmongery specification team and on-site locksmiths, providing solutions including door closers, locks, padlocks, handles, signage, and kick plates.
A major milestone was reached last year with the opening of a second site in East Telferton Industrial Estate. The ambitious move was prompted by customer demand and a desire to provide convenient solutions for patrons based in the opposite side of Edinburgh, especially in an age when low emissions laws make it more prohibitive to drive through the city. With so many exciting projects ongoing in Scotland’s capital, Bell Donaldson Steele wanted to do everything possible to ensure customers were covered.
Despite the well-documented challenges of opening a new location, the first year has been an overwhelming success, with the business grateful for being able to count on the loyalty of customers who have kept the team busy throughout.
The culture of the Gorgie HQ is replicated in the new base. The shop floor is bright, open, and inviting, creating an upbeat and welcoming destination, as well as allowing customers to better see and feel what is on offer.
Also duplicated is an experienced and knowledgeable team. In total, there are 16 employees across the business – a mix of seasoned veterans and some new faces eager to sink their teeth into a career in the thriving industry. The construction sector is inherently very technical, and the team boasts many collective years’ worth of experience, making it well equipped to deal with any enquiries.
Given the importance of customers being able to count on Bell Donaldson Steele, the business hates to say ‘no’. As a true one-stop-shop, If someone needs something that isn’t currently available, the team will go out of its way to source it – even if it means procuring a product that wouldn’t typically fall under the remit of a builder’s merchant. Time is spent each day procuring products that the business doesn’t currently stock, while a monthly competition challenges employees to source and supply the most unusual product! All of this adds to a level of service which places the company a cut above the competition in a highly competitive marketplace.
Bell Donaldson Steele truly values its customers and the relationships they share with them. The business is well aware there are other options out there, and that the Internet has had a dramatic impact on the supply chain industry. However, the value customers place on quality and service is evidenced by the incredibly high levels of repeat custom. The vast majority of the business is made up of retuning customers, some of whom have been using Bell Donaldson Steele for over 20 years.
That said, new people walk through the doors each day and with so much demand in the city, there are still some who are unaware of the firm’s existence. That was another reason for launching the second store and making the business more accessible to not only the existing customer base, but also a new market on the east side of Edinburgh and beyond.
Looking to the future, Bell Donaldson Steele has its sights set on further expansion. A new external sales rep has been recruited, with more appointments in the pipeline. The business wants to reach out to the industry in every way possible, with a greater presence on site. The product range will also continue to expand in response to changes in the market.
With so much happening, the historic business is rightly proud of its past, but just as excited about the bright future ahead.
