A Winner’s Welcome: Lynsey Beckingham, Retail Sales Manager, Green DIY

Uckfield Entrepreneurs

Most DIY-practising Uckfielders know that Green DIY, at the far end of Bell Lane, often has exactly what you need, in type and quantity, regardless of whether you’re a proper builder (like my neighbour) or an amateur bodger (like me).

It’s also completely unique as an Uckfield store – not only are there no other Green DIY stores anywhere else, but also it’s Uckfield-born and bred, supported, staffed, and managed by ten tireless locals, whose ages range from 21 to 80.

Most importantly, those on the shop floor are well trained and genuinely know all about the products they sell. This is becoming a rarity in many other DIY stores.

Lynsey Beckingham, Green DIY’s Retail Sales Manager and general boss of the operation since 2020, knows that part of her job is to keep the store’s unique reputation going. There is no mistaking her enthusiastic and vocal leadership abilities, and even she admits that staff are aware of her presence before they see her.

Green DIY is a great place for all those who enjoyed pretending to look like a real builder by moseying around those pokey hardware stores of old. But its big and open secret is that it depends upon constant feedback from all comers – suppliers, customers, and staff alike.

Its well-trained staff work together to ensure that customers get a warm welcome and assistance to find whatever they may want, even if it’s one bolt, bracket, hinge, or hook.

Green DIY has traded profitably since 1991 through recessions and even the Covid era, when DIY stores were exempted from having to close down, a rare benefit shared, reportedly, by women’s hairdressers.

Green DIY is aiming to become better known for its strong environmental commitment and keeps abreast of new policies and regulations. DIY and paint products are changing for the better, and all suppliers are brought into the sustainability equation.

Lynsey concedes that her job is both rewarding and intense. What does she do with her spare time? Could it be DIY or house painting? Nope, it’s walking, gardening, cooking, and rugby. She’s a supporter of Uckfield Rugby Club although her true love is for the Leicester Tigers, who just happen to be by far the most successful winning team in English rugby. Certainly, Green DIY look like winners. Maybe Lynsey’s leadership inspires success?