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RIDGEONS CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY

2011 is a very special year for Ridgeons, marking 100 years since the company first started trading as a builders’ merchant in 1911. Founded by Cyril Ridgeon, the company has grown to become one of the largest independent timber and builders’ merchants in the UK and the largest in East Anglia. With 22 locations throughout the region, the Ridgeons’ name is entrenched in the history of many cities and towns and is a cornerstone of many of these communities - providing employment for many generations of families.

The company has also made contributions to a number of local charitable causes over the years and it is exactly this community spirit that Hugh Guntrip, the Branch Manager at the Saffron Walden branch is keen to reaffirm by organising activities to mark the Ridgeons’ Centenary year. To celebrate the branch will be appearing in the Saffron Walden carnival as well as holding a number of activities over a week long period, starting from Monday 5th September. These will include a visit from the Ridgeons’ liveried dray pulled by two Suffolk Punch Horses on Wednesday 7th September, with branch staff dressing up in 1911 attire and a variety of fundraising activities.

“We would like to invite as many people as possible to visit us in the branch and join us in celebrating our special anniversary. It’s our way of saying thank you for your continued custom and support and to toast the future of another 100 years of successful trading.” Hugh commented.

Saffron Walden’s association with Ridgeons dates back to 1958 when the company acquired the Saffron Walden Building Material Supply Company originally based on Station Road. In 1959, at the age of 23, Cyril’s grandson, David Ridgeon, took over responsibility of the running of the site, which was then operated almost entirely separately to the rest of Ridgeons’ business.

Over the next couple of years the business acquired a number of new sites in and around the local area, and in 1960 Saffron Walden Mayor, Councillor Alderman Stanley, unveiled a modernised paint and ironmongery department and a tile and bathroom showroom. As trade grew, so too did the business and the Co-op coal yard was purchased in 1963 for the display of sheds, greenhouses and paving slabs. Additional storage was sourced through the leasing of the old engine shed at the station and the disused cinema and car park.

In 1965, to meet the growing demands for central heating systems the paint and ironmongery department was extended and in the same year the retail hardware department moved to a purpose-built property in the Market Square, trading as Gayhomes, a name that was chosen from staff suggestions. This new store provided much more accessibility for customers including self-service, together with piped music and a speaker system used for advertising – all of which were a novelty at the time.

A new mill and timber store on the Shirehill Industrial Estate was built in 1968 and with a fleet of nine vehicles available for deliveries, this meant that orders made before 4pm could be sent out the following day. In 1973 an extension was added to the timber store and yard, as well as a new joiners’ shop. In 1986 a 32 acre site at Ashdon Road was purchased and Ridgeons moved its entire Saffron Walden operation to this one location, opening the doors to trade in August 1987.

Still trading from the Ashdon Road site today, Ridgeons offers almost 2.5 acres of products under one roof and holds over £1.5 million worth of stock at any one time, making it the largest independent merchant’s branch in East Anglia. The branch employs over 80 members of staff, many of whom are local and have been with the company for a number of years. It is the knowledge that these employees have that Saffron Walden Branch Manager, Hugh Guntrip, believes is the key to the company’s longevity and success.

Hugh comments, “While the company has evolved considerably since it was established in 1911, our mission to support our customers’ building needs quickly and efficiently, while providing exceptional customer service every step of the way, remains the same as in our founder, Cyril Ridgeon’s day. It is our continual commitment to Ridgeons’ mission, coupled with our employees’ dedication that really sets us apart.” Hugh continues, “Our staff’s combined knowledge is amazing, their expertise is second to none, and whatever the project is I guarantee we have an expert who can provide the right guidance and advice. We have the first-hand knowledge and experience to talk through the whole project from preparation, to completion, providing handy hints and tips along the way. That’s what makes us unique.”

Ridgeons’ unrivalled level of stock at the Saffron Walden branch also ensures that it is best placed to meet a variety of orders. With dedicated departments specialising in heating, plumbing, kitchens, bathrooms and a flooring centre, the branch can provide everything needed for the whole project both outside and in.

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The branch’s fleet of 18 delivery vehicles also enables Ridgeons to fulfil trade and retail orders five days a week.

Hugh adds, “I would urge anyone who hasn’t yet visited our branch to pop in. We are always pleased to welcome new and existing customers and are more than happy to help in any way that we possibly can.”

Hugh’s enthusiasm around the dedication of the branch employees is clear and reflects the role that Ridgeons plays within the local community. Staff regularly organise fundraising activities to help support a number of local charities, all of which, Hugh emphasises, would not be possible without the fantastic support of the branch’s dedicated customers.

The branch also has a longstanding relationship with the Saffron Walden County High School, having provided Health and Safety Risk Assessment Training for students as well as a branch experience afternoon.

For more information on Ridgeon’ Centenary celebrations please see in branch for details.