Member Article

Tech boosts sales for 160 year old business

Cleckheaton-based family firm launches new website to boost online business, but says bricks and mortar retail remains key to 16 decades of trade

It is a family-run equestrian, pet and smallholding supplies specialist that has been serving the Yorkshire community for over 160 years. But with its sights set on further growth, Cleckheaton-based Burnhills has invested in a new e-commerce platform to fuel the next chapter of expansion.

The website overhaul is the latest in a series of developments for this fifth-generation firm. What started out in 1855 as a modest operation rolling oats in the cellar of a grocery store has grown to become one of the largest independent brands of its kind in the north of England.

Its first website was launched four years ago and, until recently, has accounted for 25% of all sales. However, encouraged by healthy online growth and enquiries from beyond the county, Burnhills has invested in a responsive new site that is forecast to drive at least 15% more revenue within the next quarter alone.

With a wealth of additional features including a convenient ‘click and collect’ facility, advice-led blogs about animal care, and access to competitions, event listings and FAQs, it is hoped the site will be a valuable resource for existing customers too.

“Customer satisfaction is our number one priority,” explains director Ben Burnhill. “So whilst the website will enable us to sell our products to people located throughout Yorkshire and further afield, we hope it will be used as an easy-access, knowledge-filled resource too for our more local clientele.”

The continued acquisition trail of large, national pet stores has of course made it difficult for this independent retailer. But Ben believes continued success has been achievable by staying true to the business’s differential – offering a personal service. “We’ll always invest in new technologies,” he adds. “But we’ll maintain a parallel commitment to bricks and mortar retail too. We’ll never let Burnhills become a ‘faceless’ organisation in the often impersonal digital world.”

Burnhills’ extensive product range has also helped the company stand out in recent years. In 2007, the move to its current premises – a 11,500sqft store and warehouse on Middleton Business Park – facilitated the diversification into 14,000 product lines. “Moving away from the centre of Cleckheaton was very risky,” comments Ben. “But we invested heavily in the bespoke fit out of this larger space, and thought carefully about what we offered in-store.”

The relocation allowed Burnhills to stock designer country clothing and specialist equestrian products from world-famous brands such as Hunter and Masta, for example, in addition to the tried and trusted animal feed and pet ranges the business reputation was built upon.

“Not many firms can boast a heritage that started in 1855 and is still going strong to this day,” concludes Ben. “But I think our success lies in combining family values with forward thinking. We pride ourselves on the quality of our traditional, face-to-face customer service, whilst ensuring we keep pace with business trends and the needs and demands of the ever-savvier consumer. That’s why our 17th decade looks as exciting as it does.”

For further information about the contents of this press release or to arrange an interview with Ben Burnhill please contact Katie Mallinson on T: 07751 615110 or E: Katie@scribapr.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .