The spotlight is on – AK Builders Merchants

Company profile:

• Business established: 2012
• Head office: Southall, Middlesex
• Number of employees: 16
• Branches: 1
• Time working with Midland Lead: since the firm was first established

Building materials supplier AK Builders Merchants, based in Southall, Middlesex, has stocked Midland Lead’s BBA-accredited machine cast lead since the firm first opened its doors nearly four years ago.

Established in September 2012 by Lakhwinder Singh, who remains the firm’s company director today, AK Builders Merchants offers a wide array of high-quality building materials, ranging from sand, cement, bricks and blocks to aggregate material, structural treated timber, and, of course, lead sheet.

Heading up a team of 15, Lakhwinder’s friendly and knowledgeable staff members provide expert advice on the store’s comprehensive product range, while also offering great customer service; traits he also looks for in his suppliers.

“I initially chose Midland Lead as a supplier based on price,” he says. “We’re based in a very competitive area, where there are five other independents and four national building materials suppliers nearby. As such, it’s vital we’re able to offer our customers a competitive price.”

However, now that the business has grown and established a good reputation in the area, Lakhwinder says that customer service and a good working relationship with his suppliers have become just as important as price.

“While prompt delivery time and stock availability is important to us, relationships are a priority. If you can’t communicate with your suppliers, you can’t solve problems. And Midland Lead are excellent communicators. Our sales rep there is great and always very helpful. They’ll even deliver to site if requested and are very responsive if we have an urgent delivery request,” he explains.

Having sold approximately 28 tonnes of lead sheet over the past year, a combination of code 3 and code 4, Lakhwinder says the future for the business lies in roofing supplies.

“Roofing is a key area for us going forwards. At present we deal with products for flat roofing, but we’d like to expand into tiled roofing, which is a real focus area for the business as we look to expand,” he adds.

Future plans also see a bigger site on the horizon and supplier relationships further strengthen as AK Builders Merchants continues to grow its reputation in the roofing arena.