“Switching to Oakio decking was the best decision we’ve made,” says Sara Palmer, Director for Creative Decks. “After being let down by a previous supplier, we needed a new decking product. We knew that with the right product we could grow the business, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

“Oakio is the fastest growing decking product in the US. When I first saw the products I could see why, they are so much better than anything else on the market. We wanted to be in from the start, and we are one of the first Oakio partners in the UK dealing direct with the sole UK Oakio Distributors. We are selling more because what we’re finding is that customers are choosing the Oakio quality over other brands.

“With Creative Decks NW based in Kendal, we were making big round trips, and many of these were into Manchester. The signwriting on the van was a very successful marketing tool, as the van went out and about, the phone was ringing! The pattern was that wherever we delivered, that’s the area we were getting more calls.

“As volumes increased, we could see the opportunity for growth by adding another depot. We looked at locations and decided that Bury was the ideal position. The depot is fully set up, so that when we’re permitted the showroom is ready to welcome customers.

“Oakio is in a completely different league to other decking products. I have one hundred percent confidence in the product, and the level of technical and marketing support is second to none.”

Sara knows that she’s often seen as a woman in a man’s world. She’s known the decking industry for more than 18 years, first within holiday parks, before switching to supplying decking to the public and trade. When she first moved from the holiday parks, she went out on the tools as a decking installer.

It was important to Sara that she knew everything she could so when she was selling it, customers would know that she could advise them with things such as the number of clips and the minimum spacing to leave outside the frame. Today, the successful business is run by Sara and two friends also Family members, brother in law, Paul is joining Eddie in the transport team and daughter Mollie who is the Marketing Manager. They’re looking to build the business further – and Sara is on the lookout for a third depot to open later in 2021.

“We are very happy with the switch to Oakio, and it has certainly paid off,” adds Sara. “Once people see the quality Oakio decking, that’s what they want.”