During its long history which spans 165 years, Yandles has continually changed and invested in its future. Originally builders, then general sawmillers before becoming the largest supplier of Elm coffin boards in the UK. Following the Dutch Elm disease in the 70’s, the company then had to completely reinvent itself and look for new markets which shaped the way the company looks today. It is now a very unique company with its sawmill, undertaking supplies division, hobbies shop, gift and home shop, café and of course its famous woodworking and timber centre with an online shop.
Two years ago the company decided on a 5 year plan to secure its future for the coming years which involved investing in its sawmill, its retail site and online store. Over the last couple of years a new highly efficient dust extraction system has been installed throughout the sawmill as well as a variety of new equipment and solar panels have been added to reduce our energy costs. Recently a new stock control system, website and accounting system have been introduced which is constantly being improved to give Yandles a stronger online presence.
Sadly the past year has seen companies such as Axminster Power tools and Turners Retreat close stores but we plan to expand our retail site at Yandles into a world class destination for woodworkers and hobby enthusiasts. I am pleased to say that we have been finally given planning permission to transform our site over the next couple of years. In August work will start on a new safer entrance to the site and a 100+ space car park with charging points and disabled parking. This will then be followed by the construction of a new warehouse which will enable us to hold larger stocks from great companies such as Record Power, Charnwood, JET and Harvey enabling us to continue growing our online shop. In late summer a large conservatory will be added on to our popular café to provide a coffee lounge and more seating. If all goes to plan by the end of the year a new store and sales area for our sawmill will be opened. This will offer a wide range of timber products from bench slats and shelving to finished beams and kit form porches and garages as well as offering a dedicated area for all sawmill enquiries.
Once this work has all been completed then we will start the next phase which includes a large extension to the gift and home store which will be joined up with the hobbies store, a greatly improved online site for the hobbies store and a new outside café area . Finally we strongly feel that Yandles roots are in timber and as a major supplier of equipment to both the hobby and professional woodworker it is only right that we invest in an area which so many other woodworking suppliers neglect and that is wood, so we will be expanding our timber range.
Hopefully this exciting news from Yandles shows a total commitment to our customers by offering the best products, service and experience as well as excellent prices for many years to come.
David Mounstephen
Managing Director