Local lady opens BOC flagship store in memory of her husband

28 July 2010

Local employer BOC is expanding its retail business with the launching of a new ‘BOC Gas and Gear’ flagship store in Gelderd Road, Leeds – only the third of its kind in the UK.

Christine Carrick, widow of Neil Carrick, the BOC retail sales manager who got the development underway back in 2008, was invited to make the official opening in memory of her husband. She is pictured with Mike Huggon, BOC’s Managing Director, UK and Ireland. BOC is a member of The Linde Group.

The 1.6 acre site brings three BOC operations together in one central location.  As well as the superstore, there is a transport depot – the main centre for Yorkshire – offices and a conference room. This has been named the ‘Carrick Room’ in memory of Neil and his 30 years service with the company. 

The new facility replaces the old BOC outlet and carries the full range of BOC products and services – everything from work wear and personal protective equipment to gas and welding equipment, industrial products and power/hand tools – along with a ‘try before you buy’ demo room. It will also be a centre of retail excellence as the company will use it to develop employees’ retail management skills with a mix of in-store work experience and classroom training.  This will show itself in knowledgeable staff and customer excellence – two key priorities for BOC.

The superstore is open to both the trade and general public.