Author: Roy Herring, Branch Manager, HAYLEY DEXIS | Normanton
When I was asked to reflect on HAYLEY DEXIS celebrating 50 years, three things sprang to mind: that I’ve been here since 1998 (how did that happen), the number of people who have also been at the branch for a long time, and how far we’ve come as a team.
The Normanton branch was one of the earlier locations developed to form a logistic link to the north of the country, that’s why we’re also often referred to as the “Northern” branch. And if you ask me, “What truly makes this branch successful?” It’s our team. Easy to say, I know, but it’s true, and I’m tremendously proud of each and every person at this branch. You know, at HAYLEY DEXIS Normanton, the real secret isn’t about the products we sell or the processes we follow; it’s fundamentally about our people, the freedom, and the autonomy we give them. I really push this philosophy because I’ve seen first hand how empowering my team has been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved. It’s also the culture we’ve had as a business from my first day, which I try to pass on.
Rewind to May 1998
I actually joined Hayley back in May 1998, where my initial task was to build the direct side of the business, shifting from a mostly trade-focused model to serving end users directly; so I needed to build a new team. We started small, just two of us, including Gary, who’s now the office manager. But from those humble beginnings, the branch has grown significantly, and I think that really speaks well of the company’s leadership and the trust that’s been placed in me.
One of the big things that sets HAYLEY DEXIS apart, in my opinion, is the autonomy they grant to branch managers. We are empowered to build our own teams and make our own decisions, and we have the full backing of the company, within reason of course! That trust really fosters a sense of ownership and purpose among the staff, here.
The Power of Autonomy
The power of that autonomy translates into a highly engaged and incredibly loyal workforce. I’m so proud to say we have incredibly low staff turnover, with some members here for 25-30 years. I think the proof is always in the pudding, and in this case, I hope we’ve created a positive work environment that values individual contributions. We now have a 19-strong team with a collective experience of over 300 years – that’s an invaluable asset in a world where specialised skills are getting harder and harder to find and replace. This deep well of knowledge allows the team to tackle complex challenges, even with legacy equipment, and provide exceptional added value to our customers. The customer wins because they have a team that genuinely cares.
Our people-first approach even extends to the physical workspace. I remember being given the freedom to design the new premises for the northern branch. I made it a priority to create a dedicated cafeteria and kitchen area at the other end of the building. The idea was to really encourage staff to take proper breaks, to relax and recharge away from their desks. It sounds small, but life throws many things at us, making breaks a healthy part of the working day.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, I truly believe that it’s the people and the autonomy that comes with it that will keep HAYLEY DEXIS going for another 50 years. I’m actively investing in the next generation, and we’ve had great success bringing on and training apprentices. Maddi, for example, started with us at 17 and recently won our company-wide People’s Choice Award, which is a huge source of pride for me and a clear sign that our approach to nurturing talent is working.
Our success as a business is an illustration of how a culture built on trust, autonomy, and a genuine focus on its people can create a thriving, resilient, and highly effective business. It’s a place where individuals are truly empowered to excel, and their collective knowledge and dedication are what drive us forward.
Looking for the Northern branch? Use our branch locator here.