A long-established company, electrical wholesalers Walter S. Mercer in Belfast enjoy a well-deserved reputation for high standards of service, competitive pricing, extensive product knowledge and solid support within the electrical trade, serving contractors, FM clients, specialist manufacturing, hospitality and industrial clients throughout Northern Ireland.
Recently, with a welcome and significant increase in sales and number of customers, the company decided to expand their staff and is proud to introduce the newest five members of the team. “I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to manage what must be the most experienced and knowledgeable team within the industry,” commented Manager John Auld. “Combined, we have extensive years of experience working in the electrical industry.”
Meet the team
New Sales Executive Aaron Shearer has been in the trade for 20 years, having worked for another wholesaler and an electrical distributor in the past. It is still early days, but Aaron has already established relationships with key customers. He commented this is his favourite part of the job, “It is a fast-paced environment and I love talking to our customers. We do our best to get what they need when they need it.”
Phil Hughes is responsible for sales and has been with Walter S. Mercer for four months. He is a fully qualified refrigeration and air conditioning installer and brings a wealth of technical knowledge after working for over nine years at an electrical distributor. Phil is happy to learn new skills and about new products and brands. “I’m learning a lot about the reactive side of sales and how to source specialist equipment,” he said.
Walter S. Mercer’s new Store Manager Gavin Gordon is the man behind logistics and making sure every delivery is made on time. After working at a cable and cable management system manufacturer for 27 years, Gavin brings great product knowledge to the team. His experience is also valued when it comes to establishing important customer relations. The Store Manager is enjoying the great working environment at the wholesalers. “It feels like a big family, it is a great place to work,” he commented.
Julie Ann McIlwaine is responsible for Accounts and deals directly with the wholesalers’ suppliers. Having worked previously with Phil at the electrical distributor, she brings extensive experience in automation products.
Sales support Dylan Holmes joined the company in February on their graduate training programme and is progressing really well.
Committed to the best service
Walter S. Mercer Electrical Wholesalers are owned by Edmundson Electrical, the largest electrical distributor in the U.K., and distribute daily throughout counties Antrim, Derry and Tyrone. The branch offers 3,000 stock lines and John has definitely seen an increase in demand for LED lights, solar panels, EV chargers and other renewables. “The industry is constantly evolving, and we need to stay tuned, sourcing new manufacturers and product lines,” he explained.
The company’s strapline is ‘The electrical wholesaler for service’. “Not only do we carry a broad spectrum of products from across all the leading names in the industry, but just as importantly, we can get it to the customer as and when they need it,” John said. Walter S. Mercer puts this commitment to the test with a personal approach from the staff. “Providing great customer service is not only offering whatever is on the shelf but being proactive and getting the products they need for their projects ahead of time,” he commented. At the same time, the branch must also be prepared for the sparks’ last-minute snag list. Products are normally delivered on the same day and special orders get to the customer in 48 hours at the latest.
This dedication to their customers is celebrated every Wednesday, with a complimentary breakfast morning of tea, coffee and hot dogs at the branch. “If you have a personal approach, your customers will follow you wherever you go, and that is how you consolidate a successful business in this industry,” John added.
