Take a look behind the scenes as we celebrate a special 70-year partnership
This year, Bell of Northampton is celebrating seven decades of partnership with Calor Gas, highlighting our position as the largest stockist of Calor Gas in the county.
The remarkable 70-year collaboration began back in 1955, when we began stocking a comprehensive range of Calor gas cylinders. We now supply Calor propane, butane, barbecue and patio gases – from leisure sized bottles to those for forklift trucks and also Camping Gaz.
In celebration of this historic partnership, Calor Gas department director at Bell, Zen Hynda, talks here about this unique relationship while also giving insight behind the scenes here at Bell Calor division!
Our heritage as a Calor Gas dealer
The Calor dealership initially operated from our Gold Street premises. However, as sales increased and the business grew, it soon became impossible to operate from the limited space. As a result, in October 1977 the Calor Gas operation moved to our current site on Kingsthorpe Road.
Now, thanks to the professional delivery service, expert advice and rich heritage which inspires confidence in our customers, every year over 600 tonnes of gas is sold across Northamptonshire by Bell, covering more than 15,000 postcodes!
The use of Calor gas to operate forklift trucks also developed into a major part of sales and this has been enhanced in recent years by the increase in demand from mobile catering vans, alongside a boom in outdoor leisure activities such as boating, caravanning and outdoor cooking.
Due to the store’s large capacity, we also supply gas for catering at local events such as the Northampton Balloon Festival and Silverstone F1 Grand Prix!
Delivering a first-class service
I joined Bell in 1970 and over the last 55 years I have worked my way up through the ranks, now being the company’s Calor Gas department director.
Monday to Saturday, the Bell Calor and BBQ Shop opens promptly at 8am, an early start allows me to plan for the day by checking orders and planning the day’s routes for our three drivers.
Having joined the business as a young man, I know all too well that our customers make us who we are. That’s why, once we open our doors, I greet all customers with a warm welcome.
Working in our Calor department is very hands on but we have a great team who are very experienced in their roles. Glen is the Calor manager who works closely with our drivers Steve, Paul and Ben, and Scott works on the BBQ side as well as supporting the Calor team.
Each day sees us making between 15-50 deliveries, servicing a wide range of customers who rely on Calor Gas for leisure or commercial use, so it’s a very busy department.
There’s more to the day-to-day than meets the eye!
Because we are the leading supplier of Calor gas in Northamptonshire, there is also a lot that goes on behind the scenes, in addition to what our customers see.
Included in this is the planning. From ensuring that we have enough supplies to meet demand – particularly during heatwaves – to planning the daily routes for deliveries, and ensuring that we meet all health & safety regulations, there is much to think about.
Staying motivated after 55 years
I get real job satisfaction from my role at Bell and often I live to work. However, I do have a very understanding wife! Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing our customers’ needs met. For many, the Calor gas we provide is a necessity to heat their homes or run their business and I’m proud to be part of doing something worthwhile that makes a difference.
We offer more than you might think!
Here at Bell we are proud of our heritage and believe that we offer the best products and service in the whole of the Midlands. We truly are a one-stop shop for all your Calor gas and BBQ needs.
Our Bell Calor and BBQ Shop offers a wide selection of BBQ grills as well as accessories, gas regulators, barbecue tools and even some tasty BBQ sauces and rubs! We are also proud to be able to offer customers the chance to come and see our products in person before making a purchase commitment. Our demos are also a great way to see the products used in action. Plus, our newly updated outdoor kitchen display’s show off what you can do with an outside entertainment space, so why not come along for a visit!
Take advantage of our current offers
Bell is currently offering discounts on Camping Gas 907, cylinders priced at £35 instead of £50 and gas priced at £45 instead of £50.
The Bell Calor and BBQ Shop on Kingsthorpe Road is open Monday to Saturday, 8am-5pm with a local next day delivery service offered.
For more information, visit https://northantsgassupplies.co.uk/ or why not take a visit to our 25,000 sq. ft. showroom on Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton.
Or call us direct on 01604 777511
