Thrapston timber products maker bolsters its order books

Family-run business Scotts of Thrapston, which is celebrating its centenary this year, was faced with a dilemma when the lockdown forced the cancellation of major national shows, where it showcases many of its products.

The firm turned to its website plus digital and social media tools to connect with its customers and it also created a virtual homage to Chelsea Flower Show with a video showcase of its summerhouses and powered a strong marketing campaign.

Managing director James Scott said: “Having been through a world war and weathered countless recessions, we have learned many lessons to help us come out of this in a good position. It was a blow to the company when national events such as the RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Shows, and Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials were cancelled, but we created a successful campaign to counter the setback.

“We did what was needed to be done and embraced alternative methods. This has helped put our order books ahead of where they were this time last year. We have a challenging time ahead and what we have to go through in the short term is daunting, but you have to adapt, and I strongly believe that the future is bright. There is a demand for our summerhouses and our stables and we hope customers will come back.”