UPDATED: 8 March 2012: Carvers is back in business

WOLVERHAMPTON: There is hope today for the staff at Carvers Building Supplies in Wolverhampton following the devastating fire that destroyed their premises last Wednesday. Henry Carver gathered his staff together for the first time since the fire to assure them that he will “recreate what we had and better”.

The positivity shown by the managing director of the 116 year old Wolverhampton based business is heart warming and encouraging. Despite the devastation of last week, the company are still open for deliveries and are fulfilling outstanding orders with a team working around the clock to ensure operations run as smoothly as possible.

Most of the staff are working from the Timber Production site based in Neachells Lane, Willenhall where they have been temporarily relocated for the time being. Over the next 4-6 weeks the old depot will be demolished and temporary buildings will be erected at the Littles Lane site to house trade counters and stocks.

Carvers employ just short of 200 staff between the two depots in the Wolverhampton area and the support shown to them has been incredible. The directors have worked throughout the weekend to put contingency plans in place to ensure as little disruption as possible to suppliers, customers and staff.

Messages of support have been flooding in including DIY SOS’s Nick Knowles who tweeted: “Sorry to hear about the fire hope the guys get back on their feet soon” following Carvers donation to the Big Build in Dudley. Wolverhampton City Council and the Mayor of Wolverhampton have pledged their support to Carvers. The Mayor said he was “shocked and saddened by the fire” and that the council will “offer assistance and do all that we can as a council moving forward”.

Local legend Steve Bull who took part in the cycle race at last year’s Carver Wolverhampton City Marathon said "I am saddened by the news of the fire at Carvers Building Supplies but I have every faith in Henry that he will work relentlessly to ensure his business survives and flourishes in the future." Station manager at 107.7 The Wolf Dickie Dodd has offered the use of their premises as well as pledging their support.

Mr Carver was full of positivity at today’s Marathon Launch at the Civic Centre and said: “we have started to put a plan together to move forward. I am just thankful no one was hurt - bricks and mortar can be rebuilt”. Mr Carver also had a lot people to thank including the local fire brigades and police force as well as all the staff, including operations director Bryan Purslow who “ensured the evacuation process was followed and that all staff and customers were evacuated immediately”. Mr Carver also had words of thanks for the people of Wolverhampton for all their support and kind words during this difficult time stating “from adversity and depression we can do better and create opportunities”.

Update  8 March

There is more positive news on the re-establishing of local builders merchants Carvers Building Supplies following the devastating fire that destroyed the warehouse, self selection and showroom last week. Customers will be pleased to know that there is now a new Call and Collect Service for all timber products available operating from the site based in Neachells Lane, Wednesfield. A variety of other products are available all you need to do is call and the sales team will let you know the availability. 

There was minimal disruption to the delivery service which has continued to operate from the day following the blaze. Operations Director Bryan Purslow reassures customers that “the operations team are busy moving stock and transport are still operating deliveries of heavyside and timber products.” Carvers have always prided themselves on their customer service and have endeavoured to fulfil every outstanding order to ensure that it is business as usual. In addition Bryan is happy to announce “the Little Lane, Wolverhampton site is now open for Gas, Hire and Cooker Centre sales.”  These two buildings and the gas plant were left untouched by the fire last week.

Also housed within the 10 acre site were Rayton Electrical who have been based at Littles Lane for the past two years, they also lost their trade counter within the fire last Wednesday. Sales Director Simon Johnson is taking a positive attitude and is remaining upbeat “We very much hope to continue trading where we left off and look forward to a bigger and better future together with Carvers.” Rayton have another property based on Mander Street in Wolverhampton and are continuing to trade. Andrews Coatings, who sell specialist paints and coatings, were also victims of the fire losing their office space based within Carvers. Director Leanne Bills wanted “to offer a big thank you to our customers and suppliers for their support. We are delighted to confirm that Andrews Coatings are still open for business as usual.”

The support from the people of Wolverhampton has been overwhelming on Social Networking sites Facebook and Twitter as well as a pledge of help from Wolverhampton City Council and the Mayor. Wolves Chief Executive Jex Moxey described the fire as devastating but said “I have faith that Henry and his team will quickly turn things around in the face of this adversity, the city needs companies like this. Everyone at Wolves wishes them the very best for a speedy return.”

The directors and shareholders would like to thank all staff, customers, suppliers and other merchants for their fantastic support at this difficult time.

For further information please contact 01902 577000