21 August 2023
Tributes are being paid to a retail industry stalwart who passed away suddenly while on holiday this summer.
Martin Gibbons was an iconic figure within the retail sector and a long-standing member of the British Independent Retailers Association and was also one of the biggest suppliers to Bira Direct.
Martin was the driving force behind JEGS Electrical, a wholesale distributor of high-quality electrical and DIY accessories, which was founded on April 20, 1970; based in Leigh On Sea in Essex.
His profound impact within retail was rooted in his unyielding dedication to his suppliers and retailers. His philosophy was simple, yet profound – "You always pay your money on time to your suppliers." This ethos, along with his impeccable business integrity, fostered strong relationships and earned him the respect of his peers. He consistently advocated for the interests of smaller retailers and worked tirelessly to level the playing field against larger counterparts.
In 2007, JEGS faced a devastating setback when a fire razed their operations to the ground. Martin displayed extraordinary resilience and leadership by choosing to rebuild the company from the ground up.
In just five weeks, JEGS was back in operation, a testament to his unwavering determination and the close-knit relationships he had fostered with his suppliers and staff who helped him get back on his feet.
His dedication was further recognised by the industry, with his company receiving prestigious awards, including being named Supplier of the Year four times by the British Independent Retailer Association (Bira) and once by the British Hardware Federation. His impact extended beyond awards and accolades; he was a driving force behind Bira and Bira Direct, serving as a main sponsor and working in close collaboration to further the interests of independent retailers.
In 2017, Martin and his daughter Eloise made the difficult decision to sell JEGS. Despite the sale, the legacy of JEGS and his enduring commitment to the industry continued.
Eloise, said his work commitment was incredibly important and he was a sociable and fair man, but one that wouldn’t ‘suffer fools gladly’.
“He was a great role model to myself and my sister Helga. He always pushed us to do our best. He had been involved in retail since the age of 10, working at his aunt and uncle’s off licence.
“He was a naturally gifted salesman but also knew how to buy. Despite being dyslexic, which wasn’t something recognised when he was at school, he could work out prices and costs for things, how to sell them very quickly and knew just what his customers wanted. It was a pleasure to work alongside him and learn all he knew,” she said.
Martin was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2019 and it was something he kept very quiet initially.
He passed away from a heart attack while on holiday with his wife Lyn and some friends in Marbella in June. His funeral was held at the beginning of August. .
Jeff Moody, Managing Director for Bira Direct, said: "Martin was an industry stalwart who passionately advocated for the cause of independent retailers. His legacy will forever remain a beacon of inspiration, and his contributions will continue to shape the industry's landscape."
