Family-run for over 110 years since its creation in 1912, East Anglia-based merchant DJ Evans has undoubtedly adapted and moved with the times. Its longevity also underlines the consistency of quality service it provides, as does the fact that it is currently in the running for Merchant Lightside Showroom of the Year at the prestigious BMJ Awards 2026.
“Being nominated is incredible, particularly as it’s the first time we’ve been entered into the awards,” explains Leah Favier-Buckle, Group Marketing Manager. “Someone out there has obviously been impressed with what we’re doing, which is always nice to hear.”
Even with all its years of operation behind it, the award nomination shows that DJ Evans is also continuously looking ahead too. “I’ve been with the company since 2017, and a significant number of changes have taken place in that period,” adds Leah. “We’re a company that is always looking to improve to remain competitive. We’re obviously not a huge national operator, such as Toolstation or Travis Perkins, so we have to ensure that we’re investing in the right areas at the right times. To get nominated for the BMJ Award is therefore really pleasing, as we’re up against some great companies.
“As for the showroom itself, which is in Bury St Edmunds, it is constantly evolving and being invested in. Even on the back of the award nomination, we’re looking to improve the site even further with new signage and a new counter.”
This relentless drive to improve its showroom is a microcosm of DJ Evans’ wider philosophy across its overall business, which also includes Grip Fixings (Ipswich, Cambridge and Norwich), Fengate Fasteners and Fengate Building Products (both in Brandon), Forest Heath Fasteners (Mildenhall), and Cornell Building Supplies (Rougham). By focusing on fixings and fasteners within East Anglia, the group has been built a real specialism within the region that has led to a dedicated client base.
This loyalty is also mirrored in the relationships DJ Evans has built with its supply chain over the years. This has proved particularly invaluable whenever new products are released, as Leah outlines: “We pride ourselves on knowing our range inside-out, and the insight our suppliers provide us with when a new product is launched is crucial. We want to be able to assist our customers as much as we can, particularly when it comes to technical information, and being able to suggest the best possible option for their requirements. We’re very community-driven and have no desire to be a faceless company. We want to be as welcoming and as knowledgeable as we can, and this is reflected in our showroom.”
At a time when the effects of the wider geopolitical situation continue to make themselves felt in the UK, especially with regards to availability and rising costs, the close relationships that DJ Evans has built with its supply chain have been all the more important.
In these turbulent times, another advantage DJ Evans has relates to the fact that the various different businesses within the group are not focused on any single sector. Instead, it has developed customer bases within the likes of housebuilding, engineering and manufacturing. This means it is better equipped to ride out the peaks and troughs, as when one sector is slowing, others will take up the slack.
While DJ Evans is looking forward to seeing if it will be carrying away a BMJ Industry Award at the first time of asking, in the longer term the main message is very much ‘more of the same’, as Leah sums up: “We just want to see more steady growth, even in the face of the challenges that all businesses are currently facing. We’re not looking for a huge boom in sales. Instead, we want to keep growing sustainably at a pace that ensures we can maintain the quality of service we’ve become known for.
“At the same time, we will want to keep improving where we can. We’ve recently been developing our website and improving our e-commerce capabilities. Again, it’s all about making our customers’ lives easier and providing them with another route to purchase.”
Given how long it has been in operation, it is clear that DJ Evans has developed a robust business strategy that has not only served it well for over a century but is sure to keep it moving forward in an equally strong manner in the months and years ahead too. Further award recognition can’t be ruled out either.