Bill Williamson

Bill Williamson
Hardware Manager
Barwon Timber & Hardware
Breakwater VIC

How long has the business been here ?
There’s been a timber yard here for 42 years. A mill and truss plant
were added over the years and I started the hardware department about seven years ago.

This is a pretty big business - why did you join HBT ?
We had some very strong long established opposition in the area so we had trouble getting the support we wanted from all the suppliers we needed to deal with. We thought a group could help us with that.

And did it ?
Definitely. You get real recognition from the suppliers as part of HBT. Also HBT are strong to act on any issues or difficulties you might have with a particular supplier. They usually assist in getting a prompt
resolution. The supplier understands that there are effectively another couple of hundred stores standing behind you.

What other comments would you offer ?
Well the pricing and rebate cheques are very nice, but I think there is a lot of benefit in being part of an Australia wide group with non- competitive members who can talk to each other. Because of this the networking at the conferences is very open. We’re all interested in each other and what we have to say. That’s really good for an independent business.

If someone is interested can they call you ?
Our number is 03 5222 6656.