Chairman of metals4U

What inspired you to start metals4U, and when did it begin?

Together with my business partner, Fred Rowlands, we started metals4U in 2008. For me, the motivation to start the company was in response to working within the metal and engineering supplies industry and seeing a huge gap in the market for a customer focussed online metal and engineering supplier that offered fast, efficient, delivery to premises or direct to job sites.

What experience did you bring into the business when you founded it?

When we started metals4U I had over 20 years’ experience of managing metal companies. My career has been based on managing the logistical, operational, and financial aspects of large organisations.

What makes metals4U different from other suppliers?

metals4U offers a wide range of metal grades and profiles, engineering tools and consumables to all sectors of the market. We do not have a minimum or maximum order size; therefore, we are the perfect ‘one stop shop’ for everyone from keen hobbyists to global engineering manufacturers.

How has the business evolved since the beginning?

The business has evolved substantially since it began and continues to do so. Our customer service experience, combined with our purchasing power, enables us to grow year on year, as thousands of loyal customers continue to value the services we provide. Every year our product ranges are expanded in response to the growing needs of our customers.

What values or principles have guided the company from day one?

Being customer focussed is one of our key principles, along with offering a wide choice of products at competitive prices and with fast dispatch from our warehouses. Customer satisfaction is the value that guides the business decisions I make.

What are you most proud of about metals4U?

Our growth enables us to provide employment in a variety of roles to local people.

How do you stay connected to the needs of our customers today?

I stay connected to the needs of our customers by listening to all feedback. metals4U has a strong presence on social media which further helps us to keep connected with what our customers use our products for. As our products are used in homes, in the creative industries, and in huge commercial projects we rely on our outreach work and of course our ‘Trustpilot’ reviews help us celebrate what we get right and guide us where issues may be occurring.