An Aberdeen family firm has launched a review of its suppliers – to make sure it is buying locally wherever possible.
Greenwell, which supplies containers, cabins, modular buildings, office furniture, shelving and pallet racking, has become one of the latest firms to join the Buy North East Roll of Honour.
The company, which recently expanded its base at East Tullos, has a strong ethos of working closely with suppliers, reducing its carbon footprint and minimising transportation costs by buying locally.
Set up by father and son Richy and Mark Greenwell, along with Mark’s sister Julie, the business was founded more than 20 years ago selling used office furniture.
And the commitment to helping north-east businesses shop locally, reduce waste and contain costs continues two decades on.
Greenwell Equipment also supplies office furniture and the firm has a showroom at its base in Greenbank Road.
Richy said: “The last couple of years have been interesting as regards office furniture.
“Many firms have downsized and so don’t need as much furniture, and Greenwell has been happy to take unwanted desks, chairs and cabinets to recycle them.
“People are becoming more aware that you do not always need to buy new, there is a large amount of excellent quality used product available.
“The Buy North East campaign is in keeping with the whole ethos of Greenwell. We have analysed every purchase decision, and will continue to do so, to ensure that
“From using local specialist tradespeople, using local transport and sourcing building materials in Aberdeen, Greenwell buys locally as much as we possibly can.
“It’s not just about supporting the local economy, but about building a relationship with suppliers.
“We buy as much as we can locally, and we are expanding our stocks to help our own customers buy locally as well.”
In total, 460 companies have now backed the Buy North East campaign.
All firms need to do is pledge support by putting Buy North-East on their next board meeting agenda, then move at least one contract or piece of business to a local supplier.
The campaign is led by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council – plus Aberdeen Journals and Scottish Enterprise.
To apply visit www.buynortheast.co.uk.
