For nearly four decades, Unit 42 Ltd has been a reliable presence in Bracknell, powering countless businesses, DIY projects and industrial jobs across the region. As an engineer’s merchant with a well-earned reputation for service and knowledge, not to mention access to an extensive product range, Unit 42 is a proud member of the Bracknell BID.
“According to Companies House, Unit 42 Ltd has been around for almost 40 years,” says Kirsty Bragg, who took over as manager in October 2023 after nearly a decade working in the company’s accounts and on the trade counter. “I’ve grown with this business and I’m passionate about continuing to serve our loyal customer base and helping it thrive.”
Tools, Trade and Trust
Unit 42 Ltd operates a trade counter that welcomes both trade professionals and members of the public. The business is a stockist for Toolbank, one of the UK’s largest tool suppliers, which means it has access to thousands of next-day products across multiple industries. From bolts and fixings to decorating tools, safety gear and even helium balloons, there’s a surprising variety on offer.
Kirsty continues: “We supply a very wide range of products. Nuts, bolts, line marking spray, jubilee clips, paint rollers, rechargeable torches; you name it, we probably stock it and if we don’t, we can almost certainly order it in. As an Airproducts agent, we also supply industrial gases, and we’re a Flogas agent too, though gas isn’t included in our BID offer.”
Key to the ongoing success of the business is service. As Kirsty explains: “If we don’t have something, we’ll try our best to source it for the customer. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond. A great deal of what we do comes down to building that personal connection and trust, reassuring our customers that we’ll do whatever we can to help.”
Unit 42’s customer base is impressively diverse, too, ranging from fabrication companies and caterers through to film production studios and local party suppliers.
Women Leading the Way
As Unit 42 enters a new chapter, Kirsty acknowledges that change can take some getting used to, especially in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Kirsty points out: “There are still a few customers who find it strange having a woman running the trade counter, but I’ve worked here for years and I know the products, I know the suppliers and I know the customers. We’re offering the same great service, just with a new face at the helm.”
BID Perks and Community Connection
As a member of Bracknell BID, Unit 42 is offering a 15% discount to fellow BID businesses across general trade counter items and helium balloons. “It’s our way of giving back and encouraging more people to come through the door,” Kirsty explains. “It’s great to be part of the BID. It helps with local visibility and connects us with other businesses we might not normally meet.”
What’s Next for Unit 42?
Looking ahead, Kirsty has clear goals: “We want to increase footfall at our trade counter and get more people using our online store, where we offer both collection and delivery options. We also run promotions throughout the year, which are proving ever popular with customers. Right now, we’re featuring some fantastic deals through Toolbank’s Tool Champions promotion and we’ll be ramping up again for our big Christmas ‘Real Deals For You’ campaign from October to December.”
Whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson, a local business or a weekend DIY dabbler, Unit 42 remains a Bracknell staple for trusted advice, top-tier tools and unbeatable service.
Visit Unit 42 Ltd at the Bracknell trade counter or browse the online store to place your next order for collection or delivery.