It proved to be a shrewd move as the popularity of their new business quickly grew; leaving them at a crossroads. With working 7 days a week on two businesses being unfeasible, they had to decide between staying as full-time tradesmen, or expanding their new reclamation venture. They chose the latter; and that was the start of Western Supply the Builders Merchants!
Over the years the company continued to grow and when Den decided to retire, Acky’s son Mike - who had been working for the company for several years at this time - bought Den's share of the business. Mike and Acky worked happily in partnership for many years. During this time Mike took more control - and as the majority partner - the transition from second hand reclamation business to a more modern-day Builders’ Merchant, took its natural course. The customer base, and therefore the company, grew and grew. Acky with his natural wit and humour was never far away though. Not only had the merchant become a fantastic place for local tradesmen to buy their goods, but also a great place for many infamous, and much-loved Cornish characters, to meet for a natter, and have a good old laugh. Something that Acky believed was equally as important as the custom itself.
Some years on (circa 2008) another natural transition occurred, when Mike’s son Tom joined the company. Tom now manages the business alongside Mike, with other family members playing an important part too. This family core - plus a team of brilliant staff - has created a happy merchant who loves helping the people of North Cornwall, with all their building and home improvement needs.
Continuing to grow and evolve, the business has moved away from some of its more traditional working methods, whilst at the same time never forgetting its roots and what made the company successful in the first place. Western Supply now offers a plethora of building supplies, timber, paint and decorating goods – offering a service to compete with any builders’ merchant trading in North Cornwall.
Western Supply Turns 50 and what a proud moment it was for the local family business to reach such an important milestone. Reaffirming that the companies’ customer first approach, built on good old-fashioned family values, really works. To commemorate and say thank you, a large customer and supplier trade day was held with hundreds of current and past customers, friends and the wider community, coming together to celebrate.
Western Supply turns 60! A lot happened in the 10 years prior, including the business’s navigation through a tricky 2020 when Covid struck. Despite the challenges that Covid threw, the company came through it and actually came out the other side much stronger. Operating methods were improved upon, new staff joined the team, and a new fully computerised operating system was introduced to the business. A necessity as the company’s revenues grew substantially during this period - this was testament to the continual hard work and efforts that the family and staff made during this time. A lot of improvements were also made to the premises over the same period as the company saw the value in investing back into the business to secure its future, for who knows, maybe another 60 years. 2085 here we come!
