A family run business is celebrating an exciting premises upgrade, in the year it reaches its 30th birthday.

Frank Howard Tools and Fixings was founded in 1988 by salesman and Braintree resident Frank Howard.

From the humble beginnings of selling tools out the back of his van, the business has grown and now employs 53 members of staff.

In order to maintain its efficiency, the company has moved to a new home in Anglia Way, Braintree, which is two times size of its previous base.

Mr Howard said: “We were struggling because we have over 50 members of staff and we were working out of five buildings.

“Staff were spending so much time travelling between premises.

“It was becoming difficult and this should improve our ability to grow.”

Mr Howard started out as a tool salesman for another company, but eventually decided to take the leap of faith and start out on his own.

“It was hard for different reasons when I started,” he said.

“You were on your own and had to build relationships from scratch.

“I worked from home for a couple of years selling out of a van and then opened up the first shop in Black Notley.

“Then we moved to Hart Farm, Braintree, then the Lakes Industrial Estate.”

Frank Howard has grown to become the largest independent tools stockist in Essex, and also has branches in Chelmsford and Bishop's Stortford.

The business has fought hard to maintain its place in a crowded market, despite being surrounded by big hitting national chains.

Mr Howard said: “As an independent, the nationals are very aggressive and the only way we can compete is service.

“We have grown up with our customers. My son Phil is now here and we see the sons of our customers come in.

“The business is a success story but it is a fragile success because as an independent we do not have the resources nationals do.

“We work very hard to keep doing what we are doing. We are not on a level playing field.

“My motivation has always been a fear of failure or going backwards, not wanting to be rich.”

The new premises have undergone significant work to be ready for the move, and it is hoped they will allow for further growth of the trade seller going forward.

“We have been looking for a building for three or four years to put things under one roof," Mr Howard said.

“We hope this is the perfect space for us and we can make it into something which functions.

“Our hope is with improved service for customers here, it should give us the opportunity to gain more business and drive us forward.

“I still think we have the edge over our competitors in a very competitive market.”