The spotlight is on – AK Timms Builders Merchants

Company profiles

• Business established: 1964
• Head office: Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
• Number of employees: 25
• Branches: 1
• Time working with Midland Lead: approximately 3 years

While AK Timms’ relationship with Midland Lead spans three years, the family-run builders merchants dates right back to 1964 when it was founded by Arthur Timms.

Back then, the company started out collecting pallets from the local RAF base, which were de-nailed and sold on. But today, run by the family’s third generation, it’s well known in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire for stocking a huge assortment of quality building materials from a range of leading manufacturers; one of which, of course, is Midland Lead.

Manager Terry Merriman, who was the man behind the decision to stock Midland Lead’s rolled lead sheet, says price was a key factor: “As well as the fact that Midland Lead are part of the IBC group, having dealt with other lead sheet providers, they were able to offer me the most competitive price.

“We’ve been using them for a few years now and have been happy with not just the price, but also the great service, and the quality of their products; our customers are also happy, which is what we really care about.”

On the subject of customers, Terry points out that while he doesn’t always know where the lead sheet he sells is being used, he does know that it has been installed on various buildings at The University of Oxford.

“I know the product has been used for downpipes, guttering and even bird boxes on buildings such as Christ Church and Magdalen College at The University of Oxford. The University is very traditional and as such, they like using lead as it’s also a very traditional, quality material.”

Terry goes on to add that on average, the company sells approximately 70-80 tonnes of lead sheet annually, and has seen demand rise.

“We’ve been busy across the board, and lead sheet sales are equally buoyant,” he says.

With a healthy demand for lead and a happy customer base, we look forward to many more years working with AK Timms.

To find out more on AK Timms builders merchants visit www.aktimms.co.uk.