The Fence Stores Group based in Parley, Dorset, has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala dinner for all its staff at the four star Carlton hotel in Bournemouth.
What was started by Sid Randall and his son Steve now employs nearly 100 people and has a turnover of more than £10m.
It operates fencing centres in Parley, Sidmouth, Yeovil and Oxford and has its Stable Structures brand in Hurn, Dorset, and in Hampshire at John Brown’s Garden Centre in Ringwood, and in Cadnam.
Last year the group sold over 200 miles of fencing panels and enough decking to cover the pitch at Wembley more than five times – as well as over a million screws.
The Oxford branch is the most recent addition to the group and in its first year’s trading exceeded all targets.
The expansion of the company has been guided for the last 20 years by Steve Randall, aided by his fellow directors.
In a witty speech during the three course dinner he addressed the 160 guests who were put up in the hotel.
He thanked his father who was present and made a point of thanking all the group’s suppliers.
After the dinner Steve said: “It was a great evening rounded off with live music.
“We wanted to thank the staff, many of whom have been with us for a long time and have helped us grow into what we are today.
“This year has been incredibly busy because of the storms that blew down so many fences and the staff worked incredibly hard.
“We will continue to expand and anticipate that we’ll take on more staff this year as we grow.
“We are still based in Parley where it began with me and my father – I can still remember our very first customer in Bournemouth.”
