St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies is hoping for a double success having been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Builders’ Merchants Awards 2024.

The Edinburgh-headquartered firm has four branches across Scotland and its efforts to become more environmentally friendly have been recognised by its nomination for Sustainable and Environmental Initiative of the Year.

Following significant investment in the group’s management structure and expansion of its services, the company is also in the running to be named Builders’ Merchant of the Year (1-5 branches).

Managing Director Ronnie Robinson said: “As a small independent Scottish firm, we are honoured to be recognised in both these categories. When you consider the quality of the opposition we are up against including some of the industry’s giants, it’s a tremendous achievement. 

It is further confirmation of the great work we are doing, and will continue to do.”

He added: “Operating in a sector such as ours, which uses heavy diesel-powered machinery, imported and manufactured materials, large numbers of heavy-goods vehicles and other means of heavy pollution, we have a real responsibility to work towards reducing our impact on the environment. 

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the nominees and wish everyone the best of luck.” 

As part of its focus on sustainability, St Andrews doubled the number of its electric forklift trucks this year with the aim of have them operating at all four branches – two in Edinburgh as well as Livingston and Paisley. 

St Andrews has also increased its electric company vehicle fleet while investing in EV chargers throughout all four branches, which are available to both staff and members of the public.

Underlining its commitment to a greener future, the company supplied all the material for the building of Scotland’s first Net Zero Home located within the Energy Training Academy in Dalkeith as part of a £50,000 project pledge.

An overhaul of its internal processes resulted in the appointment of a number of directors to head up various departments, helping create closer connections and improved communications throughout.

Further investment also saw the establishment of a new division, St Andrews Landscaping, which has been well received by the public and trade alike.

Mr Robinson added: “Our goal is to continue to evolve and offer the best of ourselves to our customers and wider industry at all times and I think we are doing that.”

The BM Awards are the longest-running industry awards, recognising colleagues, companies and teams from across the United Kingdom, with this year’s winners announced at the end of November in London.