Author: John Stallard, Worcester Branch Manager.
When asked what my memories are of HAYLEY DEXIS as we turn 50, my first thought, having started in 1996, was that initially, Worcester Branch was not called HAYLEY DEXIS or even Hayley. Back then, for those that remember, we were Bearings & Motors.
It’s probably (I hope) okay to share now that when Bearings & Motors were looking to be acquired, there were bigger offers on the table than Hayley’s. The reason the offer was accepted is that Hayley promised to retain staff and make gradual changes – a promise they kept. There was a deep level of respect for what had been achieved and the people within the business, making it the right decision. So my first memory of Hayley and the management team at the time, is one of huge respect.
Rewind to 1996
Before joining the Worcester branch as an Assistant Branch Manager, I worked for a family-owned business in the horticultural industry for an extended period. Unfortunately, there were no career progression opportunities, which led to my successful application for the Assistant Manager role at the Worcester branch.
Having jumped ship, it was a steep learning curve from garden machinery to industry in general, but I got there in the end. The team was small back then, and it’s fair to say that the building at the time made our current branch look like a five-star hotel. Fast forward, and I only became a Manager a few years back, which was mainly due to the long service of the previous manager. It’s a testament to the business that I didn’t look to leave to progress, but to wait, with respect, for my turn to take the reins.
Today, I like to think my leadership skills have brought something new to the role, a balance of management and a determination to see the Worcester branch go from strength to strength as a team.
Back then, as the same suggests, we provided service to small to medium-sized businesses that experienced machinery and motor breakdowns. It’s far cry from the vending machines, PPE, and preventative maintenance partnership we have with customers today. The closest I came to a vending machine back then was to buy some snacks. One thing was the same, though, and that’s the will of the team to help customers. When I try to find the words to describe this and do it justice, I’d say it’s an entrepreneurial spirit that exists at HAYLEY DEXIS.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
I know that many of the long-standing team members often discuss stock, service, and people, but it’s the people who have remained the driving force behind the first two. But it goes beyond that; there has always been an entrepreneurial spirit encouraged, the very opposite of micromanagement. Every team member goes above and beyond, and that means a management team that trusts everyone to get the job done. It was that sense that I felt 30 years ago.
In reality, this means that our customers receive something very difficult to compete with: a culture of support and a commitment to doing what it takes to help.
Road Ahead
If you were to ask me if HAYLEY DEXIS would be here in 50 years, I would say yes. A business built on sound foundations of people is likely to continue making decisions that are right, not solely for profit. Having become part of the Decours & Cabaud group, we’re stepping up again to provide our customers with the very best in quality, investing in internal tools and training, and leveraging European buying power. I won’t be here in 50 years’ time, but hopefully, I have played my part in helping the Worcester branch and HAYLEY DEXIS as a whole, ensure a bright future.
Interested? You can find your local HAYLEY DEXIS branch here.