Park Electrical Distributors wins top industry award

Gateshead-based Park Electrical Distributors has gained national acclaim, with a coveted top wholesaler of the year award at a gala presentation evening at London Tower Hotel.

After a decision-making process, which saw a panel of experts carefully review every single entry and industry professionals pledge their support through an online vote, Park won the Best Wholesaler with 2-5 branches category. The awards are organised by Datateam Business Media, publisher of Electrical Wholesaler magazine.

The company, which was established in 1990 by managing director, Barry Wilkinson, has a near £25 million turnover, with branches in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Teesside and opened its fifth branch in Durham last year.

Barry Wilkinson, managing director, of Park, said: “Reflecting back on all the hard work that has gone into building the business over the last three decades, it is fantastic to gain a top industry award. While our five branches were the focus of the award win – and I am very proud of the contribution they all make to the business – it would not have been possible without the commitment to the business of every member of staff. There is also the massive contribution made by the Board of Directors who understand that we have to continually innovate and change the way we operate so as to move forward in a very competitive market.”

Following the success of the evening, Mike Gammon, divisional manager, of Datateam Business Media, said: “This year’s entries were of an extremely high calibre, everyone that made the shortlist should be congratulated, in particular, the winners who really stepped up the game to clinch their awards. It’s great to see how supportive everyone in the industry is of their colleagues and competitors and it really shines on nights like this.”

In a time where electrical wholesalers have to show themselves as adaptable and use their initiative to stand out, the judges had special praise for Park’s lighting design department. Particular reference was made to the longevity and growth of this, remarking that even in the 1990s Park was putting forward services that many are only just getting around to now.

The judges were also impressed with the investment in stock holding to meet customer demand and this was also reflected in the customer/supplier voting section, where Park came in first place.