FEATURE
Control – buying a direct-to-film( DTF) printer has enabled SBT to bring a previously outsourced service entirely in-house.
By taking control of the entire branding process, they can ensure quality, speed and flexibility, strengthening a reputation as a one-stop-shop for all workplace supplies.
The recent success builds on a foundation of steady growth. A year ago, SBT seized an opportunity to expand its headquarters on Crofton Court, Portrack Lane, by doubling its space from 3,200 sq ft to 6,300 sq ft.
This expansion allowed SBT to bring its retail shop, which was previously located off-site, back under the same roof as its main operations.
Martyn said:“ When the opportunity presented itself, we brought it all back under one roof. It gave us a chance to build the shop as we wanted it. We’ ve got the stock in it, and we are already bulging again.”
This expansion reflects the business’ s overall growth. Martyn’ s fellow co-owner Pat Hodgers says the workwear side of the business, which includes everything from PPE to janitorial supplies, now represents a significant portion of SBT’ s revenue.
“ We have evolved into selling lots of different things, but the PPE and janitorial side has really kicked on,” said Pat.
“ That workwear side of the business represents a significant and growing part of the business of SBT, and we would expect it to be the biggest part of the business in years to come. You can get anything with regard to safety that you
We are independent and based right here... people know we are here, and we are proud to represent and serve our local area.”
wear from your toes to your head.”
For Martyn and Pat, the company’ s success is also a success for Stocktonon-Tees. Despite competition from larger, often globally owned firms, SBT remains fiercely independent and proudly based in this location.
Pat said:“ We are independent and based right here. Our competitors have all closed branches and have gone to serviced offices owned by European investors. People know we are here, and we are proud to represent and serve our local area.”
This local commitment is more than just a tagline – it’ s been a crucial part of their business philosophy since day one.
“ Any profits we make get invested back into the company and get spent in the local area,” Martyn said.“ It doesn’ t get blown away in the wind to financial people somewhere else in the world.”
This local-first approach has clearly resonated with its regular customers, which has organically led to new ones too.
SBT’ s client base spans the entire North-East, mainly from Peterlee down to Thirsk, and even extends into North
Yorkshire and parts of Tyneside and Northumberland.
While operating on a local scale, SBT’ s reach is global, with equipment being sent all over the world via its website sales. Martyn beamed with pride when reflecting on their recent performance.
He said:“ We have had our best two months over June and July in 35 years. We are proud, and it is another thing we have worked hard on, to build up that side of the business which has really had an impact.”
As SBT celebrates more than three decades in business with an eye on many more, it’ s clear that the senior management team is not resting on its laurels.
With strategic investments in new technology and a commitment to the community and customers, Stockton Bearings & Transmissions is printing a new and exciting chapter in its story.
Check out sbtltd. co. uk
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