The merger of two long-established Wimborne businesses is showing its strength on the shop floor as the team expands
Founded more than a century ago, Dacombes recently combined with Holmans – itself established in 1948 – bringing together nearly 180 years of local trading. The result is not just a larger operation, but a depth of knowledge that few independents can match, with more than 200 years of combined experience across the team.
A key recent appointment is Ben Todd, 35, who joins as Sales Manager. His career spans the full spectrum of electrical retail, from early experience with Kirby Vacuums through to domestic appliances at Brian Dryden and Currys in Bournemouth, where he became the store’s top sales advisor. He later spent 12 years at Holmans, rising to manager.
He says the move feels like a natural continuation rather than a change of direction. ‘It’s great to work for a business that shares the same customer ethos I’m used to – genuinely taking the time to find the right product. Unlike the multiples, we can switch appliances on and demonstrate how they work, so customers really understand what they’re buying. And you always get a real person at the end of a phone here – there’s no annoying call centres.’
Andy Palmer, 54, also joins from Holmans as Warehouse Manager, bringing more than three decades of experience. He will be overseeing thousands of items of stock and customer deliveries and sees the merger as a practical as well as cultural fit.
‘I’m proof that family-run independent businesses can offer real career stability and progression,’ he says. Completing the trio is Jakob Malodabry, 27, who is at the start of his career as a showroom assistant, while also training to become an installer. ‘I’m loving the training – both in person and online,’ said Jakob. ‘I’m a gadget geek, so electronics is ideal for me. The support from the team is brilliant: if you don’t know something, there’s always someone who does. It’s like working alongside walking electronic encyclopaedias.’
Managing Director Matt Renaut says the transition has been smooth, with many customers already following familiar faces across to the Leigh Road showroom. ‘That continuity really matters,’ he says, ‘and it’s been encouraging to see how quickly the expanded team has come together.’
