Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 13
BEST-EVER
YEAR FOR UPEX
ELECTRICAL
Another one of Aycliffe Business Park’s “hidden treasures” enjoyed
a 30% jump in turnover last year and is looking to take on more business.
Upex Electrical Distributors (UED) is the only
specialist electrical and plumbing wholesaler in
Newton Aycliffe.
It caters for a range of needs, from the man on
the street up to large industrial firms, and has
been working on large-scale projects for the
likes of 3M and Gestamp Tallent recently.
UED is part of the Upex Group – a collection of
eight companies owned by local entrepreneur
John Upex – and already works with dozens of
firms on Aycliffe Business Park and hundreds of
others in between Jarrow and Northallerton.
“We’re in a very competitive market, especially
with companies who do what we do online
only, but our biggest strength is our locality and
service.
“We’re on the doorstep for Aycliffe firms and
we offer a family-friendly, face-to-face service.
“Our cash business over the trade counter is
very strong but we’d like to do more with some
of the larger firms on Aycliffe Business Park and
it would be nice to have the opportunity to talk
to them.
”
The firm enjoyed a big jump in turnover during
2013, up more than 30% on 2012 – the firm’s
best-ever performance in its 26-year history –
while the firm’s growth has trebled in the last
seven years.
UED has recently become a member of
independent wholesalers AWEBB – a
“progressive, ambitious and forward-thinking
purchasing consortium” – which gives the
Aycliffe outfit bigger buying power and enables
them to compete with its online competitors.
Managing Director Gary Monk re-joined the
company in 2007 after buying a 25% stake.
“There are lots of wholesalers like us that are
purely internet based, said Gary.
”
He says UED, based at Aerial House, next to the
Great Aycliffe Council offices on School Aycliffe
Lane, is now well placed to deliver services to
more firms on the park.
“But we’re competitive with all of them and we
cater for the whole spectrum, from the cash
sale customer who comes in for a plug to heavy
industry.
”
“We’ve got a wealth of experience between
us after all working in the industry for a lot of
years, says Gary, from Heighington.
”
UED has five full-time staff, including Steve
Whitham, Barry Harland and David Land in the
sales team and van driver Jeff Hunter and part-
By Martin Walker
time sales rep Tom College.
The company was set up in 1984 and has grown
rapidly to become the only major electrical
retailer and wholesaler in the Newton Aycliffe
area.
“Our good reputation is a result of dedication to
customer satisfaction, added Gary.
”
“We’re competitive on both price and service
and being independent allows us to remain
flexible.
“We’re not committed to specific suppliers,
either, which means we can source goods
on the price, quality and delivery to tailor our
clients’ needs.
”
UED carries an extensive range of stock inhouse, which is supported by direct access to
local and national supplies, boasting a same-day
or 24-hour delivery.
Call in to UED at Aerial House on School
Aycliffe Lane or give them a call on 01325
315315.
Above: The Upex Electrical team (left to
right) Steve Whitham, David Land, Gary
Monk and Barry Harland.
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