Celebrating 26 Years of Dedication: Scott Elbourne’s Journey at B & D Colchester
In September 1999, Scott Elbourne joined B&D Colchester as a Driver and Stores man. Fast forward 26 years, and Scott is now the longest-serving employee at B&D, with a total of 43 years in the industrial market sector. His journey is a testament to dedication, hard work, and a passion for customer service.
Scott’s role has evolved significantly over the years. Today, he is fully focused on manning one of the customer service desks, where his extensive knowledge allows him to assist customers with product selection, application advice, and ensuring the availability of materials to meet their programme needs.
One memorable incident that highlights Scott’s commitment occurred on Boxing Day. A good customer faced a critical issue with pipework at a local hospital, resulting in several wards losing their water supply. Scott rushed to the B&D unit, opened up, and supplied the necessary materials to the engineer, enabling the reinstatement of the water supply. Despite missing a family meal and earning a stern look from his wife, Scott’s actions exemplified his dedication to customer service.
Over the years, Scott has witnessed significant changes in the industry, including the disappearance of notable brands like Polyork, Hepworth Pressure Pipework, and Uponor PVC. His colleagues affectionately nickname him “Yoda” due to his vast knowledge and experience.
Reflecting on his early days at B&D, Scott recalls the office and warehouse being located on a pig farm, with no toilets and minimal heating. Customers would even arrive on horseback to collect their orders, a sight that would impress the Lone Ranger himself.
Scott is proud to have played a part in B&D’s growth over the years. He firmly believes that B&D, along with his colleagues in the Midlands, is one of the best industrial plastic pipework distributors around.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, but B&D rose to the occasion. Scott remembers the incredible demand for their products, supplying Nightingale Hospital sites and vaccine creation centres at Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. With essential worker status, B&D continued to support the water utility sector, ensuring the supply of drinking water.
Scott Elbourne’s journey at B&D Colchester is a remarkable story of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to customer service. His contributions have been invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations at B&D.
