The Graham Plumbers’ Merchant 2017 Conference was recently held in Birmingham. The event incorporated an awards evening to acknowledge suppliers and colleagues for their outstanding performance throughout the year and dedication to the highest levels of customer service.
A total of 13 awards were received. One of the ‘Graham Heroes’ was Tariq Ali, head of inventory and inbound for the supply chain, who scooped the Community Award. Tariq said: “It’s been very humbling to be presented with this award. For me it’s never been about the accolades or recognition, just helping as many people as possible. Raising over £25,000 for worthy causes and helping children has been a part of that, and I’m very proud.”
Rob Kirk from the Wakefield branch won the Local Sales Award. He said: “I was absolutely shocked and honoured to even be nominated, never mind winning this award – out of the other nominees and fantastic colleagues, I couldn’t believe I’d been picked.”
Dave Parkes, manager of the Coventry branch, won the Customer Award for the second year in a row. This is a unique and special award as the result relies purely on a customer vote, but also takes the nominee’s performance results into account. He said: “I always aim to deliver a first-class service for my customers so I feel really honoured to have been acknowledged in this way again. I’m part of great branch team – and together we work very hard to do the best job we can.”
Pegler Yorkshire picked up the Supplier Award for Agility and Innovation. Bryan Liddle, commercial director, said: “We have been working hard to build our partnership with Graham over the last few years, so it was great to be recognised. It was an outstanding evening – the awards ceremony and conference goes from strength to strength each year.”
The Supplier Award for Customer Intimacy, recognising those that go above and beyond for their customers, went to Lakes Bathrooms, which has developed a close and collaborative relationship with Graham over many years.
Mike Tattam, sales and marketing director at Lakes Bathrooms, said: “We’re completely thrilled, as the team has worked so hard. We look forward to continuing our work with the Graham team to deliver for our shared customers.”
Finally, the prestigious Supplier of the Year Award went to ThermaQ, the manufacturer of hot water products. Sales director, Jamie Wilson, said: “After winning the Unbeatable Availability Award last year – this win was fantastic for us. The conference and awards have a really important role to play in terms of bringing Graham colleagues and suppliers together.”
