Williams & Co.

As an essential service, the plumber's merchant Williams & Co was able to keep its branches open during the pandemic with PPE, screens and hand sanitiser swiftly introduced to keep staff and customers safe. About half the workforce was placed on furlough and office-based employees were set up with all the equipment they needed to work comfortably from home.

The trade-only supplier of plumbing and heating materials began in 1972 and now has 39 branches, predominantly across the south of England, with larger regional bases in Manchester, Milton Keynes and Bristol.

The business hopes to be Britain's leading independent merchant serving self-employed outfits which employ up to five staff. Its pledge to its workforce is to put people before profits and to treat staff members fairly, pay them well and provide support when needed – as well as all the training and resources they need to do a fantastic job.

In a time of uncertainty during the Covid-19 crisis, Williams & Co found a Best Companies pulse survey was an ideal tool to give staff a voice and the feedback helped to guide the firm to set priorities. Managers and supervisors kept their heads and central support staff provided inspiring role models during a challenging year.