Independent roofing supplies merchant Alltype recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Dulwich Depot, which is one of five across London.
Alltype was founded by brothers Fred and Jim Bick, who were both roofing contractors. In the mid 70s, frustrated by manufacturer supply issues and tile shortages, they invested their savings in a stock of roofing tiles and the next time the manufacturers ran out, they began to sell. It was at that point they realised the opportunity that lay within the supply chain.
In 1979, Fred’s son Vince opened the first Alltype depot, renting a corner within a small industrial unit on Marmadon Road, London. Alltype now services all of London and the Home Counties from five depots.
Speaking at the Dulwich anniversary, Vince Bick said: “Our Dulwich Depot in particular has been pivotal within our growth – although it’s our smallest depot it has been instrumental. We have had to be resourceful, flexible and responsive in order to survive here and have learned a lot in Dulwich; it has really informed our brand and growth strategy.
“As a community, Dulwich certainly seems to provide a platform for independent, family-run businesses to flourish. The local people support businesses like us; their loyalty over the years has been fundamental to our longevity and success, seeing us through some tough times. We have a lot of clients who also run family businesses, so they can relate to what we are trying to achieve. We are all pulling in the same direction.”
It is Alltype’s drive to invest in people and its ‘never-say-no’ service has resulted in 35 years of successful business, according to the company.
