EPE International has turned a humble start into a successful company, committed to its brand partners, people and customers. ERT Editor, Jack Cheeseman, chatted to CEO, Noel Pamment, and MD, Harry Singh, exploring what makes EPE such a great business…
EPE International has carved a robust reputation for over 20 years, built on long-term relationships with inspiring brands and delivering a wide range of consumer goods for every home in the UK and Ireland. The company’s keen appetite for growth has paved the way for strategic alliances with esteemed SDA brands including Russell Hobbs, Tefal, Beko, and the industry-leading Husqvarna in garden products, to name just a few.
Chief Executive, Noel Pamment (pictured right), recalls: “This has been an incredible journey of growth from a garage in Huddersfield to a 150,000sq ft site in Bradford, and from a couple of products to offering a wide choice of products from our brand partners.”
In the past two years the business has shifted a gear by gaining the sole distribution of Hamilton Beach – a great achievement considering how well-known this brand is in the US with its far-reaching reputation. EPE has no plans to stop there. “Watch this space,” says Managing Director Harry Singh.
“These strategic moves will enhance our focus on delivering value, expanding choices, and maintaining our market leadership. We remain buoyant in our investment in bringing a better experience for everyone,” he says.
Mr Pamment adds: “As a business, we strive for excellence! We are supported by our experienced field sales team and robust back-office functions to deliver impeccable service levels. That’s why we can dropship, bulk ship, and offer next-day delivery. We keep investing in our IT infrastructure to make it easy to work with us.”
EPE’s operation goes beyond being a mere declaration; rather, it signifies the company’s commitment to providing value to its customers and upholding the brand it endorses.
Mr Pamment indicates that market conditions are “far from easy”, and the volatility combined with uncertainty requires “a steady approach and consistency”.
He explains: “We want to work hard for our customers, and we understand the pressure they face. Our vision is to be the partner of choice for retailers – the one-stop SDA distributor for the home.”
EPE boasts an impressive customer base that spans from small independent retailers to larger stores, retail grocery chains, and pure Internet players. You really get the impression that the business is in control of its own destiny; it has a strong desire to make a big difference in this competitive marketplace.
The reason for EPE International’s success is really attributed to its people. Over half of the workforce have been with the company for over 10 years, and they have become part of the family, according to Mr Pamment and Mr Singh.
“We have changed significantly; we are more matured, and we have built up a wealth of knowledge on product, market and sales, which, in turn, we have translated into reliable solutions for our customers,” adds Mr Singh.
“Despite the challenging market conditions, EPE remains optimistic, and we are increasing our capacity and our efficiency to better serve the market and our customers, and to support our brand partners.”
It is refreshing to witness a business adopting an optimistic perspective on the market. EPE International is actively charting a course for substantial growth, solidifying its position as one of the leading distributors of branded products for retailers and eCommerce businesses across the UK and Ireland. Keep an eye out in 2024 and beyond – it’s a company poised for notable achievements.
