From integrating businesses to investing in branches, people and technology, Burton Roofing Merchants is building for the future
Burton Roofing Merchants (Burton) has built a strong reputation over more than 40 years as a specialist roofing distributor, providing contractors across the UK with reliable products and expert service. Over the past two years, the business has undergone significant change following the acquisition of Rinus Roofing Supplies.
“This has enabled us to bring together two well-established businesses and create a clearer, more aligned direction,” says Ian Leigh, Managing Director. “The 2024 rebrand and repositioning were an important step in that journey. It enabled us to unify the business under a single identity and reinforce what we stand for: Your Trusted Roofing Merchant.
“Alongside this, we have focused on aligning our teams around a shared culture and a clear philosophy of One Team; One Goal, while ensuring a consistent customer experience across our branch network. Bringing two successful businesses together has been a significant undertaking, but it has also created a stronger platform for future growth.”
Indeed, Burton provides a comprehensive range of roofing materials for pitched, flat, industrial and specialist roofing systems, together with roof windows, drainage systems, solar and associated products.
“Over the past year, we’ve placed strong emphasis on refining our core product range,” he adds. “We’ve strengthened and developed an experienced commercial team that has worked closely with our approved supplier partners to refine our core ranges across the business. This ensures customers have access to trusted, proven systems, supported by technical expertise, consistent availability and reliable supply.
“Alongside this, we’ve introduced our Rewards Club to strengthen customer relationships and provide additional value to those who consistently trade with us. We are also developing a new website to improve access to our product range and branch network, making it easier for customers to engage with Burton, both in branches and online.”
Enhancing efficiencies
The company has also made a significant investment in modernising its fleet, delivering benefits across several key areas of the business. “From a sustainability perspective,” Ian shares, “we are introducing greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce emissions and improve overall environmental performance. This aligns with our broader ESG objectives and our responsibilities as a national operator.
“Operationally, the newer fleet is delivering improved reliability and uptime. Reducing unexpected breakdowns and unplanned maintenance enables us to maintain consistent service levels and improve cost control across the business. More efficient vehicles are also helping to reduce overall running costs, particularly fuel costs.”
Safety has been a major focus of the programme, with investment in advanced onboard technology and safety features that reduce risk for drivers, customers and the wider public. Providing a safer, more modern working environment also supports driver retention and recruitment.
“The fleet plays a key role in visibility and brand presence. Well-presented, consistently branded vehicles reinforce our market identity and reflect the standards we uphold across the business,” he elaborates.
“Furthermore, we’ve taken a measured approach to developing our branch network, focusing on upgrading existing sites andd expanding into new locations where appropriate. Across the estate, we’ve invested in refreshing older sites, improving layouts and enhancing the overall customer experience through better merchandising, branding and shop environments. In some cases, we’ve relocated branches to larger premises to remove capacity constraints and enable us to broaden our product offering.”
Investing in improvements
These recent developments, including new or relocated branches in Sunderland, Nottingham and Glenrothes, reflect Burton’s continued investment in the network, despite a challenging market backdrop. Securing suitable property for expansion remains a challenge, particularly where large yard space and strong locations are required.
“We are focused on growing from positions of strength, particularly across the South of England, Wales and Scotland, and on expanding from the East Midlands into key urban areas,” Ian elaborates. “Over time, reaching around 50 branches is a realistic ambition. Selecting the right location requires aligning several key factors. The property must meet our operational requirements; the location must have the potential to support a strong customer base; and, critically, we must have the right manager and team in place to lead the branch. Bringing those elements together at the right time is essential to setting up a new site for long-term success.”
The company continues to invest across multiple areas of the business to support long-term growth and operational improvements. This includes initiatives related to ESG and energy efficiency, as well as ongoing improvements to facilities management systems to better manage the property portfolio.
“A key focus area is digital development. Alongside the launch of a new website, we are advancing CRM and electronic proof-of-delivery systems to improve visibility, efficiency and the overall customer experience. In parallel,” he continues, “we are working towards ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 readiness, reinforcing our commitment to health, safety and environmental standards.”
Quality, reliability, and integrity
To help ensure standards are upheld across its supply chain, Burton adopts a structured approach to supplier selection and management. All suppliers are vetted against key criteria, including compliance with modern slavery legislation, anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies, and health and safety standards.
“We also assess alignment with recognised frameworks, such as the UN Global Compact principles. In addition, we work closely with our parent group to ensure suppliers meet the required standards and hold appropriate certifications and insurance.
“Our reputation rests on consistency in the products we supply and the service we deliver. We work with trusted suppliers who share our values of quality, reliability and integrity, and we stock only products that meet relevant industry standards and can be specified with confidence. Equally important is the role of our branch teams. Delivering dependable, knowledgeable service at a local level underpins our position as a trusted roofing merchant.
“Recent initiatives with manufacturers such as Marley and Sandtoft have focused on raising product awareness and on training and supporting our branch teams and customers more effectively. We also continue to develop collaborative initiatives with suppliers such as VELUX to strengthen engagement at branch level and create more opportunities for structured collaboration. These partnerships are built on shared objectives to improve knowledge, consistency and customer outcomes.
“If there is one thing to understand about Burton, it is that we are committed to being a consistent, reliable partner for our customers,” he emphasises.
“At Burton, people are at the heart of the business. Our purpose is to unite our people to deliver quality, compliant roofing materials, supported by expert guidance, ensuring safety, reliability and team wellbeing. Following the integration of the businesses, a key priority has been to create a shared culture grounded in our values of quality, integrity, customer focus, expertise, safety, community and people.
“Recruitment across the sector can be challenging, particularly for experienced roles, so retention and development are critical. We focus on creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and able to contribute, and we continue to invest in training and development to build capability across the business.”
Looking ahead, Ian is clear about the company’s ambitions. “Our vision is to be the UK’s most reliable, knowledgeable and customer-focused roofing merchant. Over the next five years, we will continue to invest in our people, branch network, technology and supplier partnerships, and expand our footprint in key strategic locations across the UK.
“Just as importantly, we want to maintain the culture, expertise and customer focus that have built Burton’s reputation over the past four decades. The past year has been about laying the foundations, bringing the business together, aligning our teams and setting a clear direction. The next chapter is about building on that platform, continuing to invest and strengthening our position as Your Trusted Roofing Merchant.”