Celebrating 25 Years of Growth with ACORN Midlands
In a remarkable journey from a humble £10,000 to a thriving projected £2.6 million branch, ACORN’s Midlands branch has seen tremendous growth over the past 25 years. We sat down with Branch Manager, Andy Stokes to reminisce about the evolution of the branch and discuss its future.
Looking back, how has the branch grown and developed?
The story of ACORN Midlands began when Andy, who had previous dealings with ACORN as a supplier, was approached by ACORN’s founder, Eric Baines in June 1999. Having known Eric for around 6 years, Andy was intrigued by the prospect of opening a new branch and decided to take on the challenge. "To make a long story short, with the guys from Rotherham, we were able to open the branch by 1st August 1999," he recalls, marking the beginning of ACORN’s journey as a multi-national supplier.
Since then, the branch has changed rapidly, however one thing that has remained the same is Andy. When asked about the changes he’s seen over the last 25 years, Andy fondly recalls a noisier, bustling environment that has continuously adapted to the times. "The branch has been a chameleon, changing with the times," Andy shares. "The customer base has changed immensely. For most stock, is not king anymore! People don't come onto the trade counter as much and prefer to order digitally." This shift towards digitalization reflects the broader changes in the industry, as businesses and consumers alike increasingly favour online transactions over traditional experiences.
It's clear that Andy takes pride in the significant milestones the branch has achieved. "From a numbers point of view, we were the first branch to hit a million and the first to deal with a major manufacturer," he notes. "Subsequently, we became the first branch to do two million, my main goal now is to leave a lasting legacy." These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
Andy Stokes“Treating each other as friends and colleagues has been key,”
What’s the key to longevity?
Maintaining motivation and team spirit for over two decades is no small feat. Andy attributes their success to a culture of respect, humour, hard work, and mutual satisfaction. "Treating each other as friends and colleagues has been key," he explains. This philosophy has fostered a supportive and positive work environment, essential for long-term success.
From this approach to leadership, Andy’s made some of his favourite memories, with a couple standing out. "Richard emptying the air freshener into the newly commissioned phone system or Martin trying to rearrange the roof rafter with his legs!" he laughs, reflecting on the lighter moments that have coloured their journey.
Embracing Change and Looking Ahead
Over the past 25 years, Andy's role has evolved significantly. "I’ve got more responsibility, but I’ve mostly just rolled with the times and kept up!" he says, encapsulating his adaptable and forward-thinking approach. As for the future, Andy's vision is clear. "Leave a shining legacy, with the new team on board, watch them grow and shape them all as best I can. It's been a pleasure to work and continue working with everybody." His passion for mentoring the next generation and building a lasting impact is evident.
As Acorn Midlands celebrates its 25th anniversary, it's clear that under Andy's leadership, the branch has not only grown in size, and revenue but also in resilience and camaraderie. Here's to many more years of success and innovation!