Every year at Lion, we meet with well over a hundred new infrastructure contractor clients in the Central Scotland area with respect to their tools and site equipment supplies.
And because so many people know our thoughts and feelings on all things related to infrastructure contractor supplies from this website, they often ask us, "Who are some of the other tools and site equipment suppliers and competitors in the area?"
We are never one to shy away from being blatantly honest about the competition, so here is a list of some of the companies that have a very solid and reliable history of supplying tools and site equipment in the Central Scotland area.
In no particular order:
1. TOOLSTATION
One of Britain's fastest-growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies to the trade, home improvers and self-builders. With a multi-channel offering - tools, electrical, plumbing, screws, fixings, trade essentials and top brands - they have 11,000+ stocked products in the catalogue and are stocked in each branch and available online.
Toolstation opened for business in 2003 and is managed by an experienced team that is focused on working efficiently - keeping costs low so that customers enjoy reliable trade products at unbeatable prices. Industry-leading customer, warehousing and supply systems mean that, while maintaining rapid growth, Toolstation continues to meet its promise to thousands of customers across the UK.
PROS:
- Competitive pricing and huge stock offering
- Great website
- Several branches across Central Scotland - inc. Livingston, Falkirk, Stirling, and greater Glasgow.
CONS:
- No personal service
- Customer service does not always meet expectations
2. CROMWELL
Cromwell has grown from humble beginnings over 50 years ago to become a trusted source of MRO supplies and industrial products.
With a network of branches and offices in the UK and across the globe, they aim to help keep the vital cogs of industry turning, by supporting those who make and manufacture the world around us and aiming to go above and beyond to keep operations running and people safe.
They do this by not only providing easy access to an extensive range of high-quality products but also through exceptional customer service and a wealth of technical expertise to help you get the job done.
PROS:
- Established and reputable brand
- Experience with large infrastructure corporates
- Reliable product quality
CONS:
- Website is not always easy to use
- Distribution can be slow
Travis Perkins is part of Travis Perkins plc and the UK’s largest supplier of building materials to the building and construction industry. They have a network of over 500 branches, supplying thousands of products and materials to trade professionals and self-builders across the nation, and boast a hire service on top of this. With a wide range of quality timber, building materials, kitchens, plumbing and heating, landscaping, painting and decorating essentials and tools for the job, they promise to do what matters for the trade.
PROS:
- Quick and easy for small trade companies
- Great ordering service (including mobile app).
- Personal and friendly service
CONS:
- Can lack communication with customers
- Product quality levels are not always consistent
4. TOOLSTOP
Since 1965, when Noel Kegg owned a small shop (which was also his home for the first year) and sold Stanley Hand Tools, Yale Locks, Ironmongery and Hardware, Toolstop has gone through some major changes and with the launch of the Toolstop website in 2007, they have become one of the largest online suppliers of power tools worldwide, as well as being a supplier to significant multinational retailers and with a wholesale division supplying tool dealers throughout the UK.
Toolstop remains a family-run business and with the core principles of the 1960s still in place, it's no wonder the company goes from strength to strength.
PROS:
- Strong family values
- Great range of power tools
- Very transparent website
CONS:
- Reliance on external couriers
- Not got the resource of larger suppliers
5. JEWSON
Jewson offers a wide range of supplies for all trades, including building materials, roofing and landscaping. From the everyday essentials to specialist equipment, as well as specialist Tool Hire. They've come a long way since opening our first branch in 1836.
Jewson is committed to great availability with no fuss. They pride themselves on being approachable; a friendly face will always welcome you when you pop into a branch. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an apprentice just starting, or your family has been in the trade for generations.
They offer Click & Collect in 1 hour from over 500 Jewson branches, and if you need it direct to your site, they are currently able to offer next-day delivery if ordering before 10 am through the website.
PROS:
- Established brand
- Offer a great Tool Hire service, which helps with costs
CONS:
- Not specifically tool-focused, but also supplying timber and building materials
- Costs to buy tools aren't as competitive as some other brands above
All of Lion's range of tools and site equipment are specifically geared towards infrastructure companies and contractors looking for quality products delivered at the right price.
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