More than 1,000 visitors and 60 leading brands helped Howarth Timber Group celebrate its 175th anniversary at a trade day that recently took place at Elland Road in Leeds.
The event marked the climax of the company’s year-long roadshow celebrations, which have been taking place at 29 of Howarth’s branches around the country. A huge crowd turned out at the trade day bonanza to see leading brands showcase their latest products and offers inside the pavilion at Leeds United FC.
Exhibitors included Ronseal, Irwin Tools, Norbord Europe, Tuff Stuff and Namgrass, with brand representatives reporting high volumes of orders, enquiries, and on-the-day purchases.
Many attendees came away with prizes, including the winners of the free scratchcard games that were given to everyone who made a collection order of more than £50 during the course of the year. Prizes ranged from saws and screws, to supercar driving experiences. The day’s biggest winner was Chris Fearn, owner of construction firm Top Deck, who claimed the grand prize of an IVECO Daily van, worth more than £25,000.
One of the most popular parts of the travelling Howarth 175 roadshows was the Jack Challenge, which tested how fast builders could cut through a piece of wood. The competition culminated in a final at the trade day, which was won by Rob Guyll, whose time of 6.86 seconds saw him collect a cheque for £5,000 from Nicholas Howarth, managing director of Howarth Timber.
Neale Brewster, marketing and product development manager at Howarth Timber, said: “The trade day bonanza did everyone connected to Howarth Timber proud. As well as celebrating the past, we are looking to the future and we are excited to be working with so many great people and organisations.
“To bring so many of our staff, suppliers and customers together in one place was a fantastic achievement, and a fitting way to celebrate the company’s history.”
