Electrical wholesaler scoops two national awards

Independent electrical retailer Devondale is celebrating after two of its team won recognition in a national industry award.

The 2016 Electrical Distributors Association (EDA) Annual Awards were presented over two events. At the first, held at the Intercontinental in London’s Park Lane, branch manager Julian Williams received an Investors in Training Award that recognised the high level support he gives to others.

The second gong, the award for Learning Achievement, was presented to 20-year-old apprentice Jack Shortridge at a ceremony held at the Shard the next day. Jack was chosen from 700 apprentices from across the UK.

Jack, who has been with the company for two years, said: “To be honest it was a bit of a shock – I didn’t think I stood a chance of winning.”

Devondale Managing Director, Paul Wood added: “I’m extremely proud of Julian and Jack. To win not just one, but two awards in this prestigious annual event was a real bonus.

“As an independent electrical wholesaler we were even more thrilled to achieve success against stiff competition from major chains and businesses that employ hundreds of people. The whole team is delighted that these awards have been brought to Devon.”

EDA members account for around 80% of the industry and include the biggest names in the industry, as well as regional and local family run operations like Devondale.

In the face of continuing testing times for independents, Devondale has invested in expansion at a steady rate, and now has seven branches in the South West, including Exeter, where head office is located, Newton Abbot, Barnstaple and Taunton.