Eastern Electrical in Little Island, County Cork, has a lot to celebrate at the moment. Moving from a small facility to larger, purpose-built premises in a much more convenient location in Little Island has proven to be a smart move for the branch.
As well as maintaining its core customer base, staff have seen an increase in customers who are keen to check out the diverse range of products available at the busy trade counter.
In turn, the 18 members of staff are well equipped to deal with even the most obscure customer query, such is the level of training that all staff receive. Paul O’Brien has been manager at Eastern Electrical in Little island since 2004. He began his career as a sales rep in the branch in 2000 and, since then, has seen significant changes in the industry.
“In 2008 and 2009, we had a very tough time,” he said. “The construction industry was in the throes of the recession, and that downturn had a big impact on us.
“In 2008 we were fortunate to be taken over by EWL. Their business model suited the culture we have here and allowed us to take the pain that came with the recession. By the time we got to 2010, we had the basic fundamentals in place to allow us to start growing again. Since then, we’ve grown year on year and have gone from eight people in 2009 to 18 today.”
NEW START
The branch’s success has led to its recent move to a modern 18,000sqft facility in the Euro Business Park in Little Island – a move that’s certain to allow Eastern Electrical Cork to continue to grow and prosper.
The old premises were 11,000sqft and the difference, according to Paul, is enormous.
“We fitted out the new place from scratch and received a lot of input from Jon Bloom, Edmundson Electrical’s Property Manager, as well as all staff. Being part of EWL also meant we were able to benefit from their expertise. Everyone, from sales to admin, put their tuppence-worth in to come up with something that we’re very proud of.
“The larger, more modern premises has boosted the morale of the staff and we’re also getting a great response from customers and suppliers to the new trade counter. We’ve always had a very wide spectrum of customers who require a very diverse range of products, so it’s crucial that we maintain that product range and ensure all staff members continue to receive the highest level of training.”
Given the diversity of the customer base, that knowledge base is a necessity.
Eastern Electrical Cork services all sizes of electrical contractor/installer, as well as FM companies and the MRO departments of every type of Industry in the bustling, vibrant, local Cork area.
For more information on Eastern Electrical, visit the new branch at Unit 14, Euro Business Park, Little Island, Co Cork, T45 XV77, telephone (RoI) 021 435 1800 or (NI) 00353 21 435 1800, e-mail cork.803@easternelectrical.ie or visit www.ewl.ie
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