Background
Smith Brothers, an independent HVAC merchant, specialising in commercial heating and plumbing, is one of the largest and oldest independent merchants operating within the UK. The company focuses on service excellence supplying to the commercial and industrial mechanical services sector. SBS has a multiple branch network, operating in England, Scotland and Wales.
With history dating back to 1897, the company still remains family owned with the 5th generation present within the 350+ strong workforce. The core business specialises in the distribution of pipework, valves, air conditioning and all associated fittings and ancillaries. Smith Brothers continues to increase both its product portfolio and geographical coverage, remaining loyal to its customer-oriented roots.
The company’s objective since formation is to simply provide unrivalled levels of service with competitive pricing, aspiring to surpass our customers’ expectations.
Service & Value since…1897
Range
Smith Brothers’ product portfolio offers a wide range of HVAC products throughout the branch network, covering heating and cooling solutions for commercial and domestic applications. Working alongside leading brands, the business can bring the industry superior products for every scenario. This range includes, but not limited to:
- Materials; Steel (thick wall), Copper, Carbon, Stainless, Iron (malleable & ductile), Gunmetal, Brass, Plastic (PVC, ABS, Multi-layer, PEX)
- Jointing; Press-Fit, Screwed, Push-Fit, Weld, Flared, Grooved, Compression, Braze, Soldering, Fuse
Support
SBS has nationwide coverage throughout its branch network and are committed to hold high levels of product stock. This enables them to offer excellent service, short lead times, competitive prices along with future proofing supply chain issues or significant price increases.
The business has produced helpful literature, such as the ‘Vital Statistics’ booklet which is a useful guide to help determine which products are best suited in different environments. In addition, national product specialists are on hand to assist with site visits, training, meetings or simply on call to offer support.
Sharing of best practice, product knowledge and training is actively promoted at Smith Brothers with many staff trained in multiple job roles. This gives added flexibility to adjust on demand. The business has also launched a Learning Management System (LMS) to encourage staff members to increase their knowledge of the products stocked within the business.
Being a wholesaler focusing on next day deliveries, the business has an environmental policy with a vehicle fleet conforming to the latest Euro 6 standards. It is also independently assessed by the ‘FORS’ scheme, awarding the silver status which confirms the safety and environmental prowess of the total fleet. Furthermore, the business has introduced the bike2work scheme for employees, paperless technology advancements along with the purchasing of both hybrid and full electric vehicles.
Smith Brothers offers an online customer portal which allows customers to login to their account and access their account information 24/7. This information is currently obtained via email and post, so this development helps our existing customer base to view, download and print information when it is most convenient.
The development roadmap has an end goal of customers being able to fully utilise their account online if this is their preference. Therefore, account management through to ordering can be achieved at all hours of the day, every single day. Whilst hours of operation at our branches are limited, the portal does not have such issues.
