As we begin a new financial year at Stax, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made since last year’s Management Buyout – and, more importantly, look ahead to what comes next.

From the outset, Simon Wright and Nigel Wright set out a clear vision for the future of Stax: investing in our people, strengthening our product offer, embracing technology and continuing to support the independent retailers and trade professionals at the heart of our business.

Over the past year, that vision has increasingly translated into action.

Investing in our customer experience

We’ve strengthened our field sales team with new appointments in Scotland and the Southwest, giving customers in these important regions greater access to dedicated support.

Investment in our IT and web development teams has also accelerated our digital programme, with further improvements planned throughout the new financial year.

From early September, we will begin the rollout of a new digital Stax membership card, initially at our Manchester branch before being introduced across the business by the end of the year. It’s another step towards making it easier and more convenient for customers to shop and interact with Stax.

Behind the scenes, we’re making significant investments in the infrastructure that supports our branches too.

A new EPOS platform will see new tills introduced across the entire Stax estate, beginning with Manchester and completing across all five branches by the end of the year. Representing an investment of around £500,000, the project will provide a more modern and efficient platform for our colleagues and customers.

This sits alongside the introduction of a new company-wide telephone system, further modernising the technology we rely on every day.

Strengthening our product offer

Our product range continues to evolve in response to changing customer needs and new opportunities.

A comprehensive review of aged stock and discontinued lines has resulted in a highly successful clearance programme, creating valuable space for new ranges and further category development.

Cookware and household products are among the areas receiving particular focus. Customers attending our Big Brands Trade Days this September will see that investment first-hand, with more suppliers from these growing categories joining the established brands exhibiting at the events.

Big Brands itself continues to evolve, with an expanded supplier line-up and an increasingly engaging event experience helping establish it as one of the highlights of the Stax calendar.

Investing in our people

Our investment isn’t limited to products, branches and technology.

Developing our people and creating genuine opportunities to build a career within Stax remains an important part of our plans for the future.

As we enter the new financial year, a number of colleagues are taking the next step in their careers with Stax through new management appointments and promotions across our branch operations.

Their progression reflects the experience and talent we have within the business – and our commitment to developing that talent as Stax continues to grow.

Looking ahead

Customer service has remained at the centre of everything we do, and the consistently positive feedback received from customers is testament to the commitment shown by our branch, field sales and support teams.

The progress made over the past year has created strong foundations, but this is only the beginning. With a clear vision and a forward-thinking team, Stax is moving into the new financial year with significant momentum.

We’ll continue to look for new ways to improve how we work, enhance the customer experience and create opportunities for future growth. By combining practical investment with a progressive approach, we’re building a stronger, more agile Stax that is ready to respond to the changing needs of independent retailers and trade professionals.

The year ahead promises to be an exciting one, with plenty more developments to come.

Thank you to everyone across Stax for the part you continue to play in our progress.

Here’s to the year ahead.