The long-standing hardware centre has been operating in the Vale since the mid-1960s, founded by the current directors’ grandfather, Raymond. In the following decades, the business was run by Martyn Gaudion’s father, Tony, and two uncles, Reuben and Charlie – who helped expand and maintain the company before eventually retiring or, sadly in Rueben’s case, passing away.
‘I’ve been here for about 45 years,’ said Martyn, who is director of hardware and DIY. ‘The whole family has worked so hard over the years to get it in this strong position. We’re always modernising, going with the times and adapting to new challenges.’
The business currently has five directors, with the third generation at the helm. Martyn’s brother, Tim, is director of animal feed, and their cousin, Justin Smith, is director of the garden centre.
There are nine Gaudion family members employed as part of the about 40-strong staff, including Martyn’s wife Jackie and Reuben’s daughter, Amanda. Now – encouragingly for the company’s future – a fourth generation has entered the workforce.
‘I’ve got my lad, Cameron, now working with me in my section,’ said Martyn.
‘My brother’s got his two lads, Corey and Jack, and Justin’s son, Brad, started with us last year. They’re doing really well – gradually getting to know how to run the business, and building a rapport with our customers, suppliers and other company reps. It’s great that we have that next generation coming in, because we’re aware that doesn’t happen a lot any more and a lot of family businesses on the island have sadly closed, or are closing, as a result.’
He thinks the family’s key to success is having pride in its heritage, while being open to change.
‘The company is a huge part of our life. I started part-time when I was about 13, and grew up here, really. We’ve always lived close by, so we know the locals as friends, as well as customers.’
The family were reminded of their company’s value during Covid.
‘We’ve got the stock here, straight away when you want it,’ he said.
‘You’re not guaranteed that online. There’s always breaks in supply where the boats don’t come in for two or three days. We work hard to ensure we can provide that security. The Covid years proved that – the bigger stores had to close, and we managed to continue to trade. We realised we’re an important part of the island, and we felt good about being able to support people during that time.’
The business is the main distributor of animal and pet feeds in the island and has just introduced raw frozen dog foods into its range. Its garden and fencing centre is the main supplier in the island of the popular Jacksons Quality Wooden Fencing.
‘I think my grandfather would be astonished with where we are now,’ said Martyn.
‘He did well, starting off and working hard to get it where it was. We’re well established, but hopefully, now we’ve got the credentials to move it forward. We hope to be here for a long time.’
The Confederation of Guernsey Industry (CGi) has championed the island’s grassroots industries — particularly those operating outside the finance sector for 30 years.
The CGi represents a wide range of non-finance businesses, from sole traders to multinational companies, reflecting the diversity and resilience of our broader economy.
Many of these work behind the scenes, making vital contributions that often go unnoticed. This series of articles shines a light on these unsung heroes of the non-finance sector and raises awareness of the important role they play.
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