TGtB Meets... TR Hayes

September the 11th saw 2014's glittering Bath Chronicle Business Awards. TGtB caught up with family business and award winner TR Hayes...

Congratulations on your win! Tell us a little bit about your business?

Established in 1915, T R Hayes has grown over the years to become one of the premier furniture stores in the area. We also have strong Flooring, Curtain and Electrical departments to allow customers to furnish their home all in one store. 40% of our business is in Bath, with a strong catchment in the Wiltshire, Bristol and Mendip areas. Through our website we also offer nationwide delivery, and this is a further area of growth for us.

What does winning this award mean for you and your company?

We are deeply honoured that the judging panel thought us worthy of winning, in the face of two excellent stores which also made the short list. Obviously it’s a big boost for us and our team that out hard work has been appreciated.

Why do you think you won?

We do hold traditional values, and place particular emphasis on variety of selection, having knowledgeable (but not pushy) sales staff, a customer-friendly admin team and skilled and conscientious delivery staff. All these elements are extremely important to us to get right, and every cog in our wheel matters.

How are you planning to celebrate your victory?

We will have a party for the staff, as they are the people who made this possible.

Business is clearly booming, why do you think so many people visit Bath?

We have always considered ourselves to be privileged living and working in such a beautiful city, and we receive such wonderful support from the city council. When you visit other cities it brings it home to you how lucky we are to live and work in our special and unique city.

What's your favourite thing about Bath and why?

The residents. I always enjoy meeting the interesting people in our coffee shop.

Tell us a little bit about the role that you play within the business? 

We are a family business. My wife and I have worked together for over 50 years, and we are still working 5 days a week. My elder son Richard joined us in 1990 and more recently his younger brother Christopher has also joined.

What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in your industry?

Work hard! The industry is ever-changing and you must be adaptable to changes in fashion and trends.  Being an independent retailer, we have always been able to move quickly, which gives us the edge over chains. Most of all, you must be friendly and respectful to your customers as they are the ones who make it all happen.