Family-run distributor Jegs celebrates its 45th anniversary in April, having grown from an initial £400 investment into a multi-million pound company.
Essex-based Jegs supplies 4,000 independent retailers across the UK mainland, Northern Ireland, the Scottish Isles and Channel Islands with 15,000 items from leading brands. It is also the exclusive distributor to independents of Oakdene, H&S, Cozywarm, Litgas and Haden, and the preferred distributor of Bell, and it has its own Jegs brand of wiring accessories, lamps, lighting, accessories and tools.

Over the years the company has won industry recognition for its service, being named Supplier of the Year four times by the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) and once by the British Hardware Federation (BHF).

Jegs started out in 1970 as an electrical distributor but has since expanded into DIY, housewares and garden products. However, its 45-year history has not been without its challenges. In late 2007 a fire overtook the warehouse, destroying all the stock, yet the company was back fully trading five weeks later.

Jegs chairman and founder Martin Gibbons commented: "When I first started Jegs back in April 1970, it was because I couldn't find anyone who would employ me. With a baby on the way and a mortgage to pay, I knew I had to do something radical. Thanks to the enormous amount of help from family and lots of great staff, the company has stood the test of time and grown steadily to what it is today. I couldn't be prouder that we are turning 45."

Managing director Eloise Gibbons added: "We are extremely proud to be celebrating 45 years' trading and have lots of activities planned. There will be a range of special promotions in our 45th anniversary edition of Product Focus and ongoing special anniversary deals and activities throughout the year.

"We will also be giving our loyal customers special sapphire anniversary mugs which have become industry renowned. We look forward to the next 45 years of successful trading."