Birmingham solutions: From a small hardware store to a B2B firm

Founded some 30 years back, “Quincaillerie Birmingham” has grown immensely in recent years. Parvez Jaumally, owner and director, has given new directions to the company.

Birmingham Solutions Ltd is a family business with more than 30 years experience in the field of glass and construction. Parvez's father, Said Jaumally had started with a small store in Phoenix which specialised in selling building materials and glass cutting. At that time, the small store was known as “Quincaillerie Birmingham.” Over the years, the company began to focus on B2B. But a few years ago, Said Jaumally decided to step down. “I was already working in private companies, and my brother had another job and my sister was already in business. I did not want my father's business to close. So I took over,” said Parvez. 

Parvez, 37, married and father of two children, did not only prevent the closure of the business but he also gave a new direction by innovating the services and products. “Taking over was difficult. It was not done overnight. The company was already on its knees and we had to find a way to re launch the operations of the company. With the support of my father and his guidance, we are trying to move forward,” he adds. 

New products and services

Today the company has a new showroom in Calebasses and has further diversified its activities. “If we want to consolidate our existence and be more competitive, we have to diversify our operations. I have adopted a new strategy and now propose innovative services. Looking at the situation of the construction sector and the rate of development of the sector, I decided to focus on solutions for the home. People prefer elegance and everyone wants to embellish their home. Keeping this in view, I have tried to bring innovations,” he explains.  

Birmingham Solutions is not just a hardware store. It has specialised itself in glass products on a wholesale basis by holding good stock and supply of glass, mirrors, aluminium profiles and fittings to hardware shops and aluminium enterprises. The company successfully supplied glass for use in projects launched by various big and famous structures in Mauritius and many others in Reunion Island and Madagascar. Moreover, the Company has expanded its activities on the particular market of non-residential buildings with special laminated and tempering glasses i.e. tinted, pattern, coloured, low-emissivity, fire & bullet resistant, acoustic and so on in variety of thickness. All special glasses are imported from four flat glass distinguished leading suppliers namely Asahi, St Gobain, Pilkington and Guardian.

In 2012, the company redirected its efforts and commitment to glass and mirrors. “It started to focus more on the installation of curtain walls, skylights, glass handrails, glass doors, custom colour kitchen and bathroom splash backs, frameless shower enclosure, glass writing boards etc. Moreover, the firm operates services for replacement of broken glass-related items,” highlights Parvez. 

The company is among the first to introduce clear guard for the Mauritian market. The director explains that the clear guard is one of the most innovative products launched. “It is a clear polycarbonate burglar bar from Belgium. It is stylish, discreet, and rust proof and fade resistant and is mainly designed for residential projects looking to maximize views with increased security.” 

The best team to serve clients

According to Parvez, the Birmingham team is growing with time and the company is creating jobs. “Slow and steadily, we are climbing the success ladder with our efforts and dedication. We are very positive for our company. We want various sectors to work well so that everyone can work. We are working with different stakeholders so as to deliver in a flawless manner and respecting deadlines. We do our best to meet our client’s needs and expectations. We help our clients to find the best solutions that suit their needs. Our experienced management team is dedicated to customer satisfaction and works continuously to find attractive, durable and affordable window and glass solutions, while guaranteeing excellent service and accessible personnel at all times. I have a great team. They are all qualified technicians who know their work well. They have taken courses in South Africa. They are my strength and they move things right,” he avers. 

Upcoming projects 

Parvez has no intention of remaining stagnant. He wants to take his father's business to a new success level. “Soon we will open a showroom with a professional workforce to work on automotive tint for cars.  Our professionals will have the task of better explaining and advising clients,” he reveals. 

Other interesting projects will see the day. “No doubt the construction sector needs a revival. We cannot rely solely on this sector to move forward. So you have to diversify more. We will bring new elements for the interior of the house such as balustrades and new types of shower,” he confides.