Meet Our Employees - The Purchasing Team (July 2018)
Georgia is relatively new to working at FixFirm having joined the company in July 2017.
Her main role at FixFirm is ensuring our stock items are purchased at the right time based on our current stock levels as well as new customer orders.
This is a very important role for FixFirm, as on a typical day we can order up to 100 new separate orders and it is Georgia's job to make sure the operation of this is as smooth as possible for both our customers and our own staff.
In her spare time, Georgia likes going to the gym, socialising with friends and frequently visits music festivals.
Projects we have recently supplied (July 2018)
FixFirm are pleased to have recently supplied products and equipment to some of the following prestigeous projects, via a wide range of different types of sub-contractors.
- North Sea Observatory in Skegness
- Chimpanzee Enclosure, Twycross Zoo
- JCB Golf Academy, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.
Keep an eye out on our Social Media pages for future projects that FixFirm find ourselves invloved with.
Facebook: click here
LinkedIn: click here
Twitter: click here
Write a Google Review about FixFirm and Stand the Chance to win £50 (July 2018)
FixFirm love receiving your feedback on how we can improve our service to you!
During July and August we are offering the chance for you to win £50 if you review us on Google Review.
In order to do this please Google ‘FixFirm’ and click the ‘Write a Review’ button on the right hand side of the screen.
In order to use this service, you will need to use your existing Google email account.
If you do not have one, please click here to register for one.
Winners of the Feedback draw will be announced via email on 31.08.2018.
Improved Customer Service Standards and our 5 Star Service Promise (July 2018)
As we outlined in version 2 of fixfirmnews (October 2017) through ‘Internal Approaches to Improve our Customer Service’, we have recently implemented a new customer service attainment standard with regards to our phone answer times.
On a weekly basis, we monitor the percentage of calls answered within 3 rings and we are delighted to announce that this figure has been above 90% for the past 3 weeks.
As part of the wider picture of our customer service standards intentions, we have introduced a '5 Star Service Promise' to our customers..... The content of our new corporate video will outline these promises and how we can achieve them.
The video will focus on 5 new promises on how FixFirm are Personal, Knowledgable, provide Process Linkage, Flexible and Responsive.
Keep an eye on our website for their release soon!
A Special Thank you and Farewell to Selina Sutherland (July 2018)
We would also like to take this opportunity to inform you of a change that has taken place at FixFirm with regards to our staff.
Selina Sutherland, who had worked in our Business Development team since May 2015, has left the business to work in Bulgaria during the Summer months.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Selina for her hard work over the past three years and wish her every success.
No doubt we will hear how your travels were when you get back to the UK!
Last Month's Charity Winner (July 2018)
In our last newsletter, we asked you to nominate a charity of your choice to win the chance of receiving a £50 donation from FixFirm.
In order to qualify for this, customers had to Like or Follow Us on one of our social media sites and specify the name of their charity on the relevant post.
Many thanks to all of you that contributed - The winning charity was Carers Resource as nominated Sam Athersmith of J N Bentley.
Carers’ Resource provides support for carers, no matter what their age, race, religion or needs and operate in the Bradford, Craven, Harrogate and Selby Districts.
The FixFirm Annual Staff Barbeque (July 2018)
FixFirm held their annual staff Barbeque on Wednesday 20th June at their Lincoln head offices.
Our Managing Director, Craig Haughton turned Head Chef for the day and made all staff members a range of delights in the glorious sunshine.
Craig is pictured on the left putting his cooking expertise into practice with his brother Jerry Haughton providing some much appreciated assistance.
FixFirm Corporate Photoshoot and Filming (July 2018)
The FixFirm Lincoln offices and warehouse were very hectic on the 30th May with a film crew and photographer present for a full day to get footage of our staff and daily operations.
The day was organised by Richard Vernon and Beki Ellidge in the marketing team and the video included FixFirm staff from all departments of the business.
Local businesses BluePrint Film and Chris Vaughan Photography were drafted in for the day and completed an excellent job with over 700 images taken and 1.5 hours of filming.
The footage will be shown in a new corporate video that is set for release in the middle of July and also a FixFirm corporate brochure which will follow soon after – we hope you like these new marketing pieces – keep an eye on our website for their release soon!
Careers
Working at Fixfirm
FixFirm is an established and respected company. Working here means being employed by a progressive construction and industry supply leader. The customer is at the centre of everything we do and our employees are committed to making every contact with Fixfirm a remarkable and outstanding experience. Exceptionally high standards of quality customer service are key for us.
In addition to our customers being of great importance to us, Fixfirm is committed to taking care of its employees. It’s because we know that our people are our most important asset through which we can achieve our business goals. Every person in our company is expected to make a significant contribution to their team, and they are rewarded fairly for their hard work and contribution.
FixFirm is recognised for its progressive and innovative programmes and for maintaining a stimulating working environment.
If you want to be considered to work for the Fixfirm team, email your Curriculum Vitae details to careers@fixfirm.com.
Meet Our Employees - The Marketing Team (January 2018)
Meet Beki Ellidge – Marketing Apprentice at FixFirm…
The new Apprenticeship position called 'Digital Marketer (Level 3)' will allow FixFirm to place a greater emphasis into improving our website, as well as increase the capacity to promote our products further afield than just our current customer base.
In her spare time, Beki likes to undertake landscape photography and image manipulation and is an avid reader who enjoys dancing and cheerleading.
Setting the Way for 2018 - Stocktake for 2017 completed (January 2018)
Our Lincoln based Distribution Centre currently stocks around 17,000 items made up from anything as small as nuts and bolts up to items up to 6 metres in length such as electrical channel.
Speaking about the stocktake, Lee Smith, Operations Manager states:-
''The stocktake is an ongoing process from 1st September until 24th December each year and is a massive project which takes approximately 650 hours to perform.
During the last week, the whole business gets involved and is a great team building exercise''
Customer Feedback Monthly Draw - Costa Coffee Voucher Winner (January 2018)
December's winner of the £25 Costa Coffee voucher was Chris Tong of Ermine Engineering in Lincoln.
If you have any feedback about FixFirm, then we would be most interested in hearing about this. Please click here to send us your feedback.
Pricing Update for February 2018 (January 2018)
As you are no doubt aware, the recent months have been a difficult and unpredictable time for product sourcing and manufacturing. This is adding further pressures to pricing along with availability delays on some products.
Some of the reasons are listed below and more details are provided on the document downloadable from our website by clicking here.
• Foreign exchange rates
• New environmental regulations
• International shipping costs
• Rises in manufacturing costs
• UK inflation
• The price of raw materials
We have taken several steps to mitigate the effect of the cost increases to our customers and have absorbed many increases that we have received throughout 2016 and 2017. We have now been notified of further price increases being applied from many of our manufacturers early in 2018.
In order for us to continue to serve you at the highest level, we have been left with no option but to pass on some of the cost increases to our customers and will be implementing price increases on a number of products from 1st February 2018. We will strive to continue and improve the level of service we deliver to our customers and to invest in our products, customer experience and brand throughout 2018.
If you have any questions regarding this or would like to discuss it more specifically, please contact our Sales Team who will be able to help you further.
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A Special Thank you and Farewell to our Purchasing Manager, Chris Ardron (January 2018)
We would also like to take this opportunity to inform you of a change that is taking place at FixFirm with regards to our staff.
Going forward, the role of Purchasing will now be taken up with 2 roles to which we are currently advertising for. This includes a Buyer (click here) and a Purchasing Administrator (click here).
If you would like to apply for these roles then please send your CV to hello@fixfirm.com.
Calendars for 2018 and Client Visits (January 2018)
FixFirm is pleased to announce that our FREE 2018 calendars and desk charts are now available.
To receive a FREE FixFirm Calendar or Desk Calendar, please email into hello@fixfirm.com and we will be more than willing to send these out in the post to you.
As a sign of appreciation for all our customers in 2017, key FixFirm staff made the effort to personally visit over 200 of our customers during December.
Each customer was given gifts and FixFirm 2018 calendars. Apologies if we didn't come and see you, we just had so many people to meet in a short space of time!
Thank you once again for your valued custom.
History of FixFirm - A Brief Overview
Way back on 1st September 1971, our founder Mr. Roger Haughton set up Fixfirm in Retford, Nottinghamshire. The idea was to have a family business that would provide income and employment for Roger’s four sons. It was based on the rapid delivery of products to the construction and engineering industries. At the centre of the business was great customer service with speed and no-frills prices.
Over the years the business grew and changed location several times until it moved to a purpose built premises in Lincoln in 1990, which is where it is still located today.
In 2000 the company split into two industry-focused sectors: Fixfirm Fittings (now called Formed UK www.formed-uk.com) becoming the joinery division and Fixfirm continued as the construction supply division.
The business has a very similar market focus today although the product ranges have expanded significantly over the years.
On the 6th April 2012, Fixfirm changed from trading as a Partnership to being a limited company.
Roger’s dream of a family business was a success and now the company is largely managed by Bill, Tim, Craig and Jerry Haughton with Roger taking a more advisory role.
Careers
Working at Fixfirm
FixFirm is an established and respected company. Working here means being employed by a progressive construction and industry supply leader. The customer is at the centre of everything we do and our employees are committed to making every contact with Fixfirm a remarkable and outstanding experience. Exceptionally high standards of quality customer service are key for us.
In addition to our customers being of great importance to us, Fixfirm is committed to taking care of its employees. It’s because we know that our people are our most important asset through which we can achieve our business goals. Every person in our company is expected to make a significant contribution to their team, and they are rewarded fairly for their hard work and contribution.
FixFirm is recognised for its progressive and innovative programmes and for maintaining a stimulating working environment.
If you want to be considered to work for the Fixfirm team, email your Curriculum Vitae details to careers@fixfirm.com.
Meet Our Employees - The Accounts Team (March 2018)
Kim has worked at FixFirm for 10 years having previously worked in various roles within the recruitment industry.
Her main role at FixFirm is invoicing and processing payments from our customers, as well as opening new customer accounts (including undertaking the necessary credit checks) and credit control.
In her spare time, Kim likes undertaking DIY and taking her son to go-karting events at the weekend, where he competes to a high level.
Kim is currently working towards her AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 in Accounting.
Meet Kristie Taylor, Purchase Ledger Administrator at FixFirm…
Kristie started at FixFirm in 2015 where she completed a 12 month apprenticeship in Business Administration Level 2.
Following her apprenticeship, Kristie now works in our Accounts team as our Purchase Ledger Administrator. Kristie’s main role is processing invoices from our suppliers, raising invoice queries and processing payments.
In her spare time, Kristie likes going away at weekends and jet ski-ing with her family.
Kristie is also working towards her AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 in Accounting
Projects we have recently supplied in Lincoln (March 2018)
FixFirm are pleased to have recently supplied products and equipment to some of the following prestigeous projects based in Lincoln, via a wide range of different types of sub-contractors.
- Isaac Newton Building, School of Engineering Building, Lincoln University
- One The Brayford, Appartments and 3 restaurants, Lincoln
- International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Hill, Lincoln
- The Gateway, Student Accommodation, Lincoln University
Keep an eye out on our Social Media pages for future projects that FixFirm find ourselves invloved with.
Nominate a Charity to receive £50 (March 2018)
Many thanks to all of you that contributed - some of your comments can be seen across our social media site updates.
New Look for our Lincoln Trade Counter (March 2018)
Following the re-branding of FixFirm last year from green to blue, we have now completed implementing our new look into our Lincoln based Trade Counter.
For those of you that you have visited us since the change, we hope you like it!
For those of you that haven't, may we remind you that our Trade Counter is open 7am-5pm, Monday to Fridays, and is located on Pyke Road, off Whisby Road Lincoln LN6 3QS.
We can supply you with any of our ‘in-stock’ products over the counter at the same price as your credit account.
Products that are in stock are shown on our website with a green tick against the price tag as shown in the picture above.
To order and collect your goods on the same day, please see our Fast Lane service below…
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A Reminder about our Fast Lane Service (March 2018)
Its Simple…
2. Wait 30-40 minutes including travel time
3. Collect your item(s) from our Fast Lane Window instead of queueing at our main counter. You will normally be in and out of the shop in just a few minutes.
If you require to pick up your purchase(s) first thing in the morning at 7am, then please order by 4pm the previous day.
Lincoln Trade Counter address: Pyke Road, off Whisby Road, Lincoln LN6 3QS.
£250 Free Giveaway Pack Winner (March 2018)
FixFirm remains open despite the 'Beast from the East'
Meet Our Employees - The Warehouse Distribution Team (October 2017)
Meet Liam Elsey – Warehouse Operative at FixFirm…
Liam started at FixFirm in 2015 where he completed a 12 month apprenticeship in Warehousing and Storage Level 2.
Following his apprenticeship Liam was offered a full time position as Warehouse Operator, where his main responsibility is to ensure FixFirm’s customers receive their orders in a timely and presentable manner.
Liam also works in our Trade Counter Shop acting as the Face of FixFirm, an element of his job which he really enjoys.
In his spare time, Liam is a keen follower of Aston Villa Football Club and enjoys Social Media, having over 9,000 followers on his Twitter account.
FixFirm donate to Hillside Community Garden, Lincoln (October 2017)
FixFirm are pleased to have recently donated £200 to Green Synergy to help them develop their Hillside Community Garden Hub Project close to Lincoln Hospital.
Green Synergy is developing an 2.5 acre wasteland area and are aiming to need raise £50,000 for the project.
Together with local residents, community groups, schools and hospital staff and patients, the site is being turned into a beautiful, edible, friendly community garden. The addition of multi-use pathways, wheelchair accessible raised beds, large vegetable plots, fruit cages, polytunnels, therapeutic gardens and a wildlife adventure trail will ensure that garden will be space that everyone can enjoy.
Speaking about the donation Tim Haughton, Director at FixFirm stated 'As a Lincoln based business, we feel it is important that we help local charities and businesses by investing something back into the community, especially on projects like this that benefit so many people'.
To make a donation yourself towards the project, please visit www.fundit.buzz/greensynergy
Order Online before 31st October and Enter a Prize Draw (October 2017)
FixFirm are currently operating an incentive for customers to place their next order online via Procure-site – our online portal.
By doing so, you will be entered into a Prize Draw for your chance to win either a bottle of red or white wine.
All you have to do to qualify is order online by Tuesday 31st October - winners will be announced in our next newsletter.
To open an account, simply click here and complete the online registration form.
To view a brief user guide on how to order online, please click here.
We look forward to your next online order and the all the best of luck!
FixFirm Sponsor Meet The Buyer Event (October 2017)
FixFirm are pleased to announce that we are the main sponsor of the Constructionline 'Meet The Buyer Event' to be held at Allianz Park (Saracan's Rugby Club) on Tuesday 17th October 2017.
The event will prove to be a great opportunity for FixFirm to network with procurement professionals from top main contractors, public sector authorities and other organisations from in and around the London area, as well as over 1,000 like-minded businesses from the construction industry.
FixFirm will be exhibiting on Stand 27 where we will be outlining how construction companies can strategically align their procurement processes for greater cost savings, efficiency and control in the purchase of their site supplies.
To visit the event, please click here
Internal Approaches to Improve our Customer Service (October 2017)
FixFirm have recently being looking at our internal approaches to Customer Service in a an attempt to maintain the excellent standards that have been the basis of our success since we were formed in 1971.
The system we have developed, which is supported by staff documentation and awarensss posters, is called Qube 4 and is designed to ensure we consistently provide a first class service to all our customers, at all times.
Qube 4 looks at how we deal with the various ways customers contact us - this includes Quotes, Quick Orders, Questions and Qualms.
Against each of these contact types we have allocated the measurement of Acknowledgement, Speed, Consistency, Presentation and Accuracy (ASCPA)
Selina Sutherland (Sales Development) and Emily Buchner (Customer Services) have developed the concept and will be running random spot checks throughout the business going forward.
Speaking about the Qube 4 System, Selina and Emily both say ‘ FixFirm would not be where it is today without taking customer service issues very seriously. We are proud to be continually committed to improving our service and doing what we can to exceed expectations.’
If anyone has any feedback they would like to send FixFirm about our Customer Service, then please click here
New Look for FixFirm Offices and Distribution Centre (July 2017)
Following the rebranding of FixFirm in 2016, we are now pleased to announce we have completed implementing our ‘new look’ at our Lincoln office and warehouse/distribution centre.
The old look of green and silver, which had been the look of the company for over 10 years, has now been replaced with light blue and silver and gives the site a fresh new look!
We hope you like the new branding and we hope to see you pop into our Trade Counter soon.
Our Trade Counter is open from 7am til 5pm, Monday and Friday and is located to the right of our main reception entrance as outlined by our new signage.
Meet Our Employees - The Customer Service Team
Meet Emily Buchner – Customer Services Advisor at FixFirm…
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Emily has worked at FixFirm since September 2016 having completed her A-Levels last Summer in 5 subjects areas!
Her main responsibilities include dealing with incoming enquiries via telephone and email, and looking after new orders and quotations.
Emily is currently taking up a lead role on implementing new internal procedures to raise the standard of the Customer Service we provide throughout the business. She also takes an interest in Sales & Marketing and has recently obtained her ISMM Level 2 Certificate in this area.
Emily really enjoys working in the friendly, family atmosphere FixFirm has to offer; and feels she has learnt so much in her first 10 months from colleagues who have worked for the company for over 30 years.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys cooking and her favourite chefs are Jamie Oliver and Donna Hay. She also likes to sing with her favourite artist being Adele.
Meet Alan Cooper – Customer Services Advisor at FixFirm…
Alan has worked at FixFirm for 40 years and is currently our longest serving employee!
He is currently a member of the Customer Services team looking after incoming enquiries - due to his vast knowledge and experience, Alan also offers specialist product advice and technical support.
After starting as an Mechanical & Electrical Engineer as an Apprentice for Retford based business Babcock Jenkins, Alan worked there for 7 years before moving to FixFirm in 1977.
Alan has also worked at FixFirm as a Delivery Driver, Warehouse Operative and Field Sales Manager, so is familiar with all areas of the business.
In his spare time Alan is a keen follower of Nottingham Forest F.C and holds a season ticket. He is also a keen traveller and likes to visit abroad regularly.
FixFirm Obtain Environmental Status ISO 14001:2015 (July 2017)
FixFirm are pleased to announce that we have been certified for the Environmental Management Standard ISO 14001:2015 for the first time since our formation in 1971.
This standard highlights the fact that we, as a business, can demonstrate to our suppliers and customers that we take the environment seriously in our every day processes.
The business was audited by the European Quality Assurance in February 2017 with the accreditation given in April of this year.
Going forward FixFirm will concentrate on upkeeping environmental procedures and will make sure that everything possible is done to operate in a continued sustainable manner.
Speaking about the new attained standard, Craig Haughton, Managing Director, states:-
‘Our customers and all other stakeholders can have the assurance that FixFirm has been certified by an accredited agency to an international standard on how we manage our environmental impacts.& This is now embodied in our operating processes and will be periodically audited to this high standard’
FixFirm's Environmental Policy certificate can be downloaded from our downloads page
Upgrade of IT Systems (July 2017)
FixFirm has recently invested in a full upgrade of our IT systems with a new, more powerful server, Office 365 programs, new backups and the latest version of our stock control system.
Following the successful implementation over the last 2-3 months, this means we can process customer requests faster and give you a quicker response to your enquiries.
The new system is also enabling us to manage stocks better so we have the products you need available when you need them. The backup systems are a far superior cover for the possible event of any part of the IT infrastructure going down and will allow us to serve you with minimal disruption if anything does happen.
We are excited about these improvements and feel confident it enables us to be up to date and serve our valued customers at a better level than before.
FixFirm continue to support the UK Apprentices Scheme (July 2017)
This year will see the continuation of FixFirm offering new opportunities to college leavers with the introduction of two new Apprenticeships in Business Administration and Warehousing and Storage (Level 2).
The new apprentice positions reflect the recent business growth and success, which has led to an increased need for administrative support (through all areas of the business) as well as the need to send our more products from our Lincoln-based Distribution Centre.
FixFirm strongly believe in investing and developing young people through UK apprenticeships, and have offered roles within sales, customer service, accounts and the warehouse over the past 4 years.
Our last successful Apprenticeship completion was as recent as December 2016 - Kristie Taylor now works for the business on a full-time basis as an Account Assistant having completed her NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.
Should anyone like to be considered for a future apprenticeship at FixFirm, then please email careers@fixfirm.com.
Careers
Working at Fixfirm
Fixfirm is an established and respected company. Working here means being employed by a progressive construction and industry supply leader. The customer is at the centre of everything we do and our employees are committed to making every contact with Fixfirm a remarkable and outstanding experience. Exceptionally high standards of quality customer service are key for us.
In addition to our customers being of great importance to us, Fixfirm is committed to taking care of its employees. It’s because we know that our people are our most important asset through which we can achieve our business goals. Every person in our company is expected to make a significant contribution to their team, and they are rewarded fairly for their hard work and contribution.
Fixfirm is recognised for its progressive and innovative programmes and for maintaining a stimulating working environment.
If you want to be considered to work for the Fixfirm team, email your Curriculum Vitae details to careers@fixfirm.com.
History
Way back on 1st September, 1971, our founder Mr Roger Haughton set up Fixfirm in Retford, Nottinghamshire. The idea was to have a family business that would provide income and employment for Roger’s four sons. It was based on the rapid delivery of products to the construction and engineering industries. At the centre of the business was great customer service with speed and no-frills prices.
Over the years the business grew and changed location several times until it moved to purpose built premises in Lincoln in 1990, which is where it is still located today.
In 2000 the company split into two industry-focused sectors: Fixfirm Fittings (now called Formed UK www.formed-uk.com) becoming the joinery division and Fixfirm continued as the construction supply division.
The business has a very similar market focus today although the product ranges have expanded significantly through the years.
On the 6th April 2012 Fixfirm changed from trading as a Partnership to being a limited company.
Roger’s dream of a family business was a success and now the company is largely managed by Bill, Tim, Craig and Jerry Haughton with Roger taking a more advisory role.
