Surface materials distribution specialist International Decorative Surfaces (IDS) has opened a new and larger branch at Southampton in February. The brand new premises encompass warehousing, a sales office, boardroom facilities for 12 people and a large customer showroom.
Says John Bagshaw, managing director: “IDS is a dynamic, continually growing business that constantly invests in our people, properties and product portfolio. Our aim is to provide the best possible service and product offer to our customers, and our new, larger premises in Southampton will help us do this.”
The new branch is located on Southampton Trade Park at Dock Gate 20, just off the A33, offering easy access to customers. It has re-located from its former location five miles away at Centurion Industrial Park where it has been for the past 14 years.
All existing staff have relocated to the new site. The company has also recruited an additional internal sales operative, two drivers and a warehouse operative, increasing the headcount at the branch to 10. The branch manager is Neil Daniels and the regional director is Sue Narramore.
The new warehouse facility increases IDS’ stockholding capacity by 70% to include all items in the IDS product portfolio, as well as hold a greater depth of stock on faster moving lines. This will enhance product availability and service for over the counter sales and next day deliveries.
IDS will hold 425 SKUs (stock keeping units), representing the six product streams in its surface materials portfolio of worktops, solid surfacing, flooring, panel products, laminates and wall and ceiling panels.
The 130 sq m showroom is bespoke designed to showcase the depth and breadth of IDS’ product portfolio. The largest floor space is given over to showcasing flooring, worktops and bathroom wallpanelling catering for the needs of local trades and retailers.
Says Bagshaw: “The customer profile for our showrooms is the trade customer and investing in our showrooms nationwide will enable us to grow our customer base by increasing and improving our core product offer to them. We’re confident that this new IDS branch will be very successful for us, and will continue to deliver and develop the best possible service levels and product offer for both our existing and potential new customers.”
In addition to the new Southampton branch, the Leeds showroom has been extended to 68 sq m and fully refurbished and opened 9th February.
