One store that aims to look after the ever-changing hardware needs of Thames and the Coromandel is TradeZone Thames, also known as Read Bros. Hardware.
It should come as no surprise, the family-owned business recently snapped up an award at the TradeZone New Zealand Annual Awards on August 24.
In only their second year as a member of TradeZone Industrial New Zealand, TradeZone Thames was awarded the Business Development Award – a category that reflects the very essence of what it means to grow, evolve, and lead within the TradeZone network.
General Manager of TradeZone New Zealand David Morris, who presented the award, said it recognised a store that demonstrated outstanding business development through consistent growth, strong supplier relationships, and a collaborative approach with the TradeZone support office.
“It’s not just about numbers, it’s about vision, execution, and the ability to turn opportunity into sustained success.
“This year’s winner has shown exceptional commitment to these values. Their performance has stood out across the board, and their contribution to the TradeZone group has been both strategic and inspiring,” David said.
Award winners and owners of TradeZone Thames John and Nicola Read joined the TradeZone group in 2023 with the goal of growing their business through diversification, Nicola said.
“We saw an opportunity for a local industrial supplier to provide quality products and service to the vast number of industries on the Peninsula and Hauraki Plains including manufacturing, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and engineering.
“It has been a few busy years working on the business, upgrading systems, processes and our mindset to make the most of being a TradeZone store, as well as still maintaining our existing levels of service to our local and online Read Bros Hardware customers.”
Nicola said at times it felt overwhelming, but having made the commitment, “you just push on and the opportunities opening up have been exciting and rewarding”.
Their team was “absolutely key” in helping them through the changes, she said.
“Every single member of our team has met the challenges of learning new computer systems, suppliers and processes head on and positively.
“We have been so impressed and this award is a reflection of what you can do with [a] great team alongside you.”
