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40th Birthday of Award-Winning Hardware Distributor
Back in October 1982 , Yorkshire lad and hardware expert , John Pickard , made the bold decision to start his own ironmongery business . The aim was to establish a reputable specialist company selling door and window hardware to retail , trade and wholesale customers .
» AND WHAT A JOB JOHN DID . OVER the next 40 years the business has grown exponentially and now includes a strong export arm with Pickard Hardware shipping products from a small Northern town into Europe and beyond .
However the last four decades has not all been plain sailing as the company has faced many challenges over this time and 2022 has been particularly tough year . Whilst still dealing with the fallout from Brexit , the team was devasted by the sudden death of John back in April . The employees at Pickard Hardware consider themselves a family so the impact has been hard but his loss has evidenced what a strong business he created . Pickard Hardware has been able to carry on and thrive despite the circumstances .
Dale Spencer , Managing Director of Pickard Hardware – image courtesy of Charles Waller
John Pickard passed away suddenly in April 2022 – image courtesy of Charles Waller
John Pickard - founder of Pickard Hardware - in his original premises back in the 80s – courtesy of Pickard Hardware
As Managing Director , Dale , said at John ’ s funeral :
“ In the ironmongery world , John was an industry stalwart , admired and respected across the land .”
Although John ’ s influence at Pickard Hardware was huge , he had been careful in planning his gradual retirement and , some years ago , had passed a lot of responsibility on to Dale Spencer who went on to take over as the Managing Director .
Dale has been at Pickards for over 35 years and worked his way up the ranks , starting in the warehouse at the age of 16 . Dale always considered John to be his mentor and saw him as a father figure . Now his aim is to follow John ’ s example and take Pickard Hardware through its next chapter .
“ 2022 has had its highs and lows and a real high for us came when Pickard Hardware won the Exporter of the Year prize at the Bradford Means Business Awards back in July . It was a fantastic achievement which recognised John ’ s legacy and the team ’ s efforts . It gave us all and John ’ s family the chance to celebrate his life and his achievements .” said Dale .
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NOV / DEC 2022
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