Best Training Provider category
Judges highlighted our outstanding commitment to training and developing our people through our innovative "My Path" framework. Designed to upskill managers and drive business success, the comprehensive training program has resulted in nearly 2,000 learning hours for Group Managers and 7,200 hours for Branch Managers. The introduction of optional live webinars further provided 1,125 hours of flexible training.
The positive impact is evident, with six Branch Managers being promoted to Group Manager positions through their development.
On winning the award, Amanda Craig, Director of People, Culture & Talent said: "The success of our My Path initiative has been truly remarkable. It's not just about training - it's about enabling the conditions and culture for our team to grow, develop, and reach their full potential. Seeing six of our Branch Managers promoted to Group Managers in the last year alone, is a clear indication that we're on the right path and supports our philosophy around promoting from within. This award recognises the hard work of our team and the culture of continuous learning we're fostering across CEF. It's a win for everyone in our organisation."
At CEF, we recognise that our people are the foundation of our success. By investing in their development and nurturing a culture of continuous learning, we empower our team to deliver exceptional service and drive our business forward.
Best wholesaler website
Our website enables customers to research, purchase, and order over 44,000 products from 300+ leading brands, with next-day delivery or click-and-collect options across 397 branches. We’ve introduced major improvements to enhance customer experience on our website which have resulted in a 2.5 million increase in website visitors and a 1.28% increase in conversion rate year-on-year. Key website updates include:
"Similar stock" functionality to provide alternative options when products are out of stock
Revamped page layouts to improve navigation and product findability
Technical optimisations for faster load times and mobile-friendliness
GDPR compliance for data protection
Dedicated category pages for growth areas like Renewables, featuring training resources and brand information
Karl Oakes, Global Head of Digital Domain remarked: "Our website is more than just a digital storefront - it's a powerful tool that empowers our customers. We're constantly innovating to ensure our customers can easily find what they need, when they need it. This award validates our efforts to create a best-in-class online platform that truly serves our customers' needs."