The Compass Story

The Compass idea was formed in 1979 by 4 individuals who met at a sales conference for the company they previously worked for. All four had become disenchanted with this company as they didn't receive the back up needed to fully satisfy their customers needs i.e.important every day items were constantly out of stock.

Plans were drawn up in the following months and Compass first traded in June 1980. The business is so named as the four founders came from four different points of the U.K. The company prides itself on always having good stock levels on those all important items.

As with any company, alterations occur especially in the early days. One of the individuals left and another decided to go it alone. This left the two existing partners and their wives to run Compass as it is known today.

Don & Jo Brooks - sales & administration at the office in Ludlow.

John & Sue Young - Purchasing, distribution & purchasing accounts in Brighton.

Over the years the company has steadily grown to it's existing level. Which enables the partners to keep complete control as well as being able to look after their own individual customers.

Over the 21 years we in the most part have been loyal to our original suppliers and they in turn with us. This being said the majority of our customers have also been with us for many years and quite a number from day one. We pride ourselves on our stock position and putting our customers first, making sure that if we don't stock an item that we do our very best to get it.

Most of our existing sales team have also been with Compass for a long long time, these being Tom McGrath, Ken Ward, Chris Watson & Chris Young. Mandy Morgan is our newest recruit and has only been with us a year.

Although we are predominately a van sales company the business has altered drastically over the years. Where the items sold directly that day off the van used to be about 90% in the 80's, these days it's possibly only 50%, with the other 50% being sourced for our customer for next day delivery or delivery on our next visit if not required immediately.

Therefore with our buying power and the loyality of our suppliers we are in an excellent position to supply your every need.