41PETER’S SPARES MODEL RAILWAYS |
BEST PRACTICE REPRESENTATIVE 2018
Thistime a move was required – only
one street away, but it was necessary
to expand the 750-square-foot
premises to a new 2,000-square-foot
building. It was radically redesigned
and had more space to include a new
fully integrated till system to cope
with the stock transfer through all
channels of the shop till, eBay and
the ecommerce website. This clever
system changes the stock levels at
the same time through all channels,
such that the stocks are accurate at all
times. This time, though, it was funded
without any government help.
The newly streamlined operation
– from goods inwards to despatch
to the customer – brought further
growth and expanded sales. This is
now a key part of any modern retail
store. The introduction of the system
and its related growth required extra
staff, however. This need coincided
with a government-backed scheme
for training staff for the retail
environment. This was extremely useful
and brought the six-strong team up to
speed with modern sales techniques.
I decided at some point to diversify
from reselling products from the
large manufacturers that all the
other stores were fighting to sell at
discounted prices. Instead, I looked
into the possibility of manufacturing
and redesigning replacements for
long-discontinued parts. I did this with
contacts I had made in the UK, and
indeed as far afield as China. These
parts keep older model trains on the
rails, along with a UK-manufactured,
environmentally safe lubricating
oil. Some of the parts I made in
China were even purchased by one
of my large retail manufacturers
and suppliers to use as spares for
theirmodels.
We’re now known worldwide for
providing innovative new products,
retail purchases and older spare parts
sourced from around the globe.
Whether buying old stock from closing
shops or making new ones to keep up
with demand, there is plenty of scope
for more in the ranges.
Recognition
During the expansion of Peter’s
Spares Model Railways Ltd, my
company has been approached by
older stores and manufacturers alike
to buy their remaining stock or to
become a wholesaler. For example,
it was a great boost to the company
when Mega-Steam, a US-based
smoke oil company, invited me to
become their UK wholesaler. When
MB Models (an older Lima Spares
Supplier) closed, I was approached
and purchased the remainder of
the stock. This happened again in
late 2017 when East Kent Models,
a Hornby Spares supplier, closed
their doors due to retirement. I then
contacted them and purchased
424,000 parts from their store.
The Peter’s Spares team
Inspired by his
father Trevor’s
passion for real
trains, Peter’s
enthusiasm
grew over 15
years buying,
selling and
repairing model
trains into a
large business in
the North East
“
“
Rt Hon The Lord David Blunkett
Rt Hon The Lord Eric Pickles
