CNW Electrical and Data Supplies
By Richard Mead.
This article appeared in Electrical Gems Issue 87, October – November 2008
For over 55 years CNW has been serving the needs of Australia’s electrical industry and is now the leading independent. This proud Queensland based company just keeps on growing yet remains 100% Australian owned.
Proudly 100% Australian Owned – it means keeping your money in Australia
Even though CNW has grown immensely in the past decade, the business remains proudly Australian owned. Along with other advantages, private ownership affords us the independence to build close relationships with our customers and suppliers in ways that many larger public companies, hindered by protocol, cannot do.
Delivering superior service – nurturing the best people with the best knowledge
CNW’s main focus is to deliver superior customer service, an objective we are achieving in a number of ways. We understand that our people are the key to success and for this reason, have built our business model on having “the best people with the best knowledge”.
CNW - not just a supplier, but a partner
Given the autonomy to develop the business and to mould product lines and service requirements to suit the local customer, CNW branch managers and staff work hard to help customers achieve their business goals.
Branch managers have the authority to make decisions at branch level, which means that customers get the service they need to be able, in turn, to deliver more to their clients.
An interactive website gives the option to manage your account online
CNW is continually looking at ways in which it can improve its business and continue to provide excellent service to customers. One of these has been to develop an online facility through the CNW website from which our customers can check all their account details and make purchases online. This is not to take away from the personal service that our branches provide to customers, but is used as a supplementary way to help customers make it even easier to do business with us.
Servicing major industries (as well as minor ones)
Due to the personal service that CNW branches are able to offer their customers, the company has been successful in serving the needs of clients in various industries:
Mining
The mining sector has benefited from our focus on service, with CNW winning some of the largest long-term supply contracts in Australia.
Data and Communications
The Data and Communications area is another focal point for CNW, with staff dedicated to this product range delivering the best service, knowledge and products available.
Energy Management
Eco friendly products and energy management is the future of our industry. CNW is focused on becoming an industry leader in this field.
People are everything. And not just our people, your people too!
CNW is very proud of being Australian and demonstrates this not only by supporting Australian business, but also by supporting our youth. With an extensive traineeship program in place, we help many young people gain experience and qualifications within the industry.
When and where did CNW begin, and what does the name CNW stand for?
The first CNW branch commenced business in 1952 at Stanley Street in East Brisbane. The three owners, whose surnames were Cameron, Nielsen and Walters (hence CNW), started the venture with the financial backing of two well known local businessmen, Tom Messinbird and Leo Catt.
In 1982, the company was purchased by Brian and Greta Webb. Under Brian’s leadership, many new branches have opened in regional Queensland and over the last 7 years, even more new branches have opened throughout Australia.
“We are an independent company committed to retaining family ownership of the business.”
Brian Webb, Managing Director, CNW
At CNW, looking after Australia’s Own means supporting Australians at grass roots level
Looking after Australia’s own is not only our motto in business, but in the wider community as well. CNW is an Australian company that believes in supporting Australians at grass roots level. Whether it’s jerseys for the local football team or helping Olympians realise their dream, we are there to help when it really counts and believe that everyone should have the chance to succeed.
A proud member of the Gemcell group
CNW remains a proud member of the Gemcell buying group. Wayne Williams, General Manager, has been a member of the Gemcell executive for 12 years. Together with Gemcell, CNW’s charter is to further enhance the independent wholesale network in Australia.