Seddon Construction Limited, a family-run business established in 1897, operates across five main sectors: property services, housing partnerships, retrofit and decarbonisation, painting, and mechanical engineering. With over 127 years of experience and a turnover of £165 million, Seddon is one of the UK’s leading construction companies. They work on various large-scale projects, including social housing, schools, hospitals, and speculative house building. To support its extensive operations, Seddon relies on a robust supply chain. For over 12 years, FixFirm has been a trusted partner, delivering essential tools and supplies for Seddon’s projects across the UK.
Challenge
In the past, Seddon maintained its own stock of materials, with an in-house store manager overseeing the operation. However, when the store’s manager retired, the company faced a decision: either continue managing their own stock or outsource the supply chain. They required a supplier who could ensure timely delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and help their site teams make informed decisions about the tools they needed for specific jobs.
In addition, Seddon was looking for a solution that could streamline their procurement process, improve efficiency across their various sites, and support sustainability efforts, all while keeping costs in check. This was a critical step in optimising operations and maintaining a high standard of productivity without increasing costs.
Solution
After a competitive tendering process, Seddon selected FixFirm as their primary supplier. FixFirm provides a comprehensive service, offering more than 10,000 product lines, along with their user-friendly Procure Site platform. This platform allowed Seddon’s teams to easily order tools and materials, track deliveries, and manage their shopping lists of over 700 essential products.
Seddon benefited from FixFirm’s Triple Five Service—a commitment to delivering next-day orders placed before 5 PM, with delivery guaranteed before noon the following day. This allowed site teams to receive materials promptly, ensuring that work could continue without delays.
FixFirm’s expertise in providing the right tools for the right job was another key advantage. By consulting closely with Seddon’s teams, FixFirm helped select the most suitable tools for specific applications. This collaborative approach not only improved efficiency but also helped optimise costs by reducing downtime on site.
Customer Quote
Steve McCluskey, Supply Chain Manager at Seddon, emphasised the value of this partnership:
“FixFirm consistently deliver great service and are always looking for ways to improve. We’ve placed over 26,000 orders with them, with a total spend of £2.3 million, and they consistently achieve a 90% or higher rating in our performance evaluations. They’re passionate about their work and are always striving to offer the best products and services.”
Results
By partnering with FixFirm, Seddon has achieved greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in their procurement processes. The introduction of FixFirm’s Procure Site platform simplified ordering, reduced the need for multiple delivery consignments, and contributed to a more organised workflow across Seddon’s various construction sites. This has minimised downtime and improved productivity.
FixFirm’s focus on sustainability, demonstrated by its ISO 14064 certification for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, has also aligned with Seddon’s own environmental goals, helping the company reduce its carbon footprint through consolidated deliveries.
Additionally, FixFirm's Fix Secure Guarantee, which extends product warranties to five years, provides Seddon with extra peace of mind, knowing they are covered for the long term.
Why Choose FixFirm?
FixFirm offers more than just tools and materials. Their user-friendly online platform, extensive product range, and reliable delivery service have made them an invaluable partner to Seddon. Here’s why FixFirm stands out:
- Next-Day Delivery: Place orders before 5 PM for guaranteed next-day delivery before noon.
- Procure Site Platform: Easy-to-use online ordering system that simplifies procurement and reduces admin time. For more information on the Procure-site platform click here.
- Vast Product Range: Access to over 10,000 product lines, with expert advice on choosing the right tools for the job.
- Sustainability: ISO 14064 certification and efforts to reduce carbon emissions through efficient delivery practices.
- Extended Warranties: Fix Secure Guarantee offers up to five years of warranty on selected products.
If your business needs a reliable supply partner, Seddon recommends FixFirm. As Steve McCluskey said:
"The knowledgeable and passionate team at FixFirm makes them a great partner. Their service is second to none, and they consistently deliver on time. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed."
