Blaenau Gwent Council supports Ebbw Vale’s first Screwfix store

Screwfix has opened a new store at Unit A on the Waun-Y-Pound Industrial Estate, Ebbw Vale.  It is the UK’s largest multi-channel retailer of trade tools, accessories and hardware products.  

The store officially opened on Thursday 9th June and enjoyed a successful launch weekend with hundreds of customers eager to get their hands on a bargain. 

Unit A is owned and managed by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Economic Development Unit under its portfolio of industrial units and offices.  Screwfix worked with the Council to secure the leasehold occupancy of unit A.  The company is a leading, brand name retailer and will prove a valuable addition to the local economy; 14 staff are now employed at the store in Ebbw Vale.  

Cllr Jim McIlwee, Deputy Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council Said:

“I’m pleased that the opening of the new store in Ebbw Vale has been a success. The Council is committed to facilitating business enterprise and assisting in creating jobs in Blaenau Gwent.  The Economic Development unit offers a wide range of services to support businesses in the area such as; business property and industrial units, business grants and advice.  For further information about the support available, visit www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk” 

Ricky Jones, Store Manager for Screwfix Ebbw Vale said:

“We chose to open a new store in Ebbw Vale because it’s a growing town with a great trade presence. Many of our customers already shopped with us at our Merthyr and Blackwood stores and are delighted to see us here, as they no longer have to travel so far. 

“Our celebration period, which ran from Thursday 9th June and throughout the weekend until Sunday 12th June, attracted hundreds of customers and we are looking forward to welcoming many more local people over the coming months. We have received fantastic support from the local community, who have all shown a keen interest in the store. It has been extremely exciting that we have already attracted repeat business and we are all enjoying getting to know new customers.” 

Visit Screwfix’s Ebbw Vale store at; Unit A, Waun-Y-Pound Industrial Estate, Ebbw Vale, Gwent, NP23 6PL. Monday to Friday 7am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. 

Information about the business support and services offered by the Council can be found at http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk under the business section of the website.  The economic development team can be contacted via C2BG on 01495 311556 

Further Information about Screwfix

Screwfix started life in 1979 as a Woodscrew Supply Company based in Yeovil, Somerset.  The company’s first mail order catalogue consisted of a single page, solely dedicated to screws.  Now part of the Kingfisher group, Screwfix is the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, accessories and hardware products for tradespeople and DIYers. 

The new Screwfix store in Ebbw Vale is part of the company’s nationwide store expansion plan, which saw the retailer open 60 new UK stores in 2015. The company uses its own innovative retail model, which aims to provide its customers with outstanding service, together with value and convenience. Already 90% of the UK population is within a 30 minute drive of a Screwfix store. 

Another aspect of Screwfix’s nationwide stores initiative is that the company is looking to become actively involved with local charities through its own registered charity arm - The Screwfix Foundation.  It supports local charities and community projects with donations for projects involving fixing, repairing or maintaining buildings.  Screwfix staff get directly involved in helping community projects and host charity fundraising events within the stores. 

Local registered charities are welcome to apply for funding from The Screwfix Foundation and can visit Ebbw Vale Screwfix branch to pick up a Screwfix Foundation Leaflet for more information. Alternatively they can download an application form from www.screwfixfoundation.com