Norwood Aquarium Ltd takes pride in being the UK’s longest established aquatic wholesaler (55 years) and believes that its outstanding customer service will help the business to thrive in the future.

Gone are the days when Norwood Aquarium only supplied the Home Counties, with the company expanding nationally over the past few years, covering England, Wales and Scotland with its own vehicles. It has also been recently been appointed as a national distributor for JBL as well as Askoll.

Sales manager Sam Street took time out of his busy schedule to explain a bit more about the company’s success.

Who started the business? 

The business was founded by Tony and Mary Street in the 1960s as a small retailer in Norwood, South London.

Has it stayed in the same family since the start? 

Yes, it is now in its 3rd generation. Currently at the helm are brothers Rob (General Manager) and myself (Sales Manager).

Do you supply retailers throughout the UK? 

We certainly do, we run a fleet of our own vehicles delivering from Truro to Inverness! Bricks and mortar retailers are our core customer base but we also supply a variety of other entities such as colleges, universities and public aquariums.

How has the industry changed over the past few years? 

The internet has had a big impact on retail shops. It’s very difficult for them to compete with online prices these days. We know from our experience running an aquatic store can be expensive stuff. However, it is essential these stores are there to offer the livestock and advice that is needed, especially for the newcomers to the hobby. It is for that reason we will not supply online-only retailers.

Is it getting tougher?

Legislation changes do occasionally affect us but again I’d say they hit the retailers harder. Particularly with new restrictions on fish, plants and corals importing as well as the tougher pet shop licence criteria for example. I think the uncertainty of Brexit has affected everyone – people seem to more cautious with their spending right now. We don’t envisage much disruption to supply when Brexit does happen, but just in case, we are working closely with our European manufacturers to ensure its kept to a minimum. 

What's the secret of the company's success? 

It’s got to be our service. We are renowned throughout the industry for looking after our customers, having the most knowledgeable staff and doing what we say. Couple that with an ever-expanding range of core and exclusive brands, we believe we have a winning formula.

How many people are employed by the business?

25

For more information visit www.norwood-aquarium.co.uk

Pictured from left to right: Spencer Smith (Representative), Sam Street (Sales Manager), Rob Street (General Manager) and Keith Street (Director).