HOWDENS Joinery’s growth since it started selling to trade professionals in 1995 is a sufficient marker for how well respected it is in the industry.

There are now over 620 depots supplying over 400,000 kitchens each year to homes in the UK – a vast increase from the modest total of 14 when it launched just over two decades ago.

And, if the staff at Trowbridge’s depot are anything to go by, it is not only respected by builders, but by its employees too.

Kim Voizey has been with Howdens for 20 years and has been manager of the Trowbridge branch for 12 years.

She said: “I absolutely love my job; it’s amazing to be able to do so much for the local community, which we are a vital part of.

“The key to our success is building long-lasting relationships with builders and providing a first-rate service.

“Our products are always in stock which means builders know that they can turn up in the morning and walk away with what they need the same day – they don’t have to wait for days or weeks like they would do at some other places.”

Mrs Voizey heads up a team of 17 staff at the Trowbridge depot, which includes business developers, designers, sales reps and more. It has also taken on two apprentices in recent years in a bid to encourage youngsters to become involved with the company.

Lewis Porter, deputy manager, said: “We look after each other and we have a good time here.

“No day is the same and all of our customers are fantastic; we have great relationships with all of them.

“Because of those relationships, we always want to go the extra mile for them.

“Even if they’re not buying anything, sometimes they will come in and have a coffee and a chat with us.”

Howdens prides itself on producing environmentally and sustainable products which comply to standards and accreditations, while over 25 per cent of its products are manufactured in the UK.

Designer Mini Matharu, who has been at the company for over three years, said: “As a designer it’s my job to meet with the customer to discuss what they would like and then get to work designing it.

“We have a lot of freedom when it comes to designing and in terms of the working environment here, we’re like one big family."

Dave Bath is one of Howdens' longest-serving customers, visiting the depot freuquently for the past 13 years.

He said: "Pretty much everything is always on stock so you don't have to wait for it and on the rare occasion it's not in stock, it only takes a day or two to arrive.

"All the staff are really friendly and make you feel welcome."