Jerseyman Paul Pinel has been appointed General Manager at Quantum Building Supplies, the major importer and distributor of products for the construction industry in Jersey.

Paul, who has been in post since September, says his role will be to guide the business into the next phase of the company’s history, develop new relationships with the trade and to deliver on their promise to help build a better Jersey.

“I have been in the industry for many years and have got to know most of the builders, engineers, architects and tradesmen. I am proud to say that I have played a part in many of the developments that have been built in Jersey,” says Paul.

“At Quantum, we pride ourselves on the personal service we offer, and I have always believed that ‘people buy from people’. They appreciate relationships that are built on trust, and my customers know they will always get an honest and fair response from me.

“Following the Covid outbreak, freight charges and the expense of transporting goods to the island rose significantly, but at Quantum we are always looking at ways to keep costs down and keep our pricing at a realistic level”

Paul is confident that Jersey is heading out of a difficult period following the impacts of the pandemic but sees light at the end of the tunnel.

“The trading environment has been tough and planning applications and schemes have not been coming to fruition as quickly as many of us would like. But we’re coming out of that now. Part of my role will be to reinvigorate the business and give customers confidence that the island has turned a corner.

“Quantum was established in 1994, and this puts us in a fortunate position as we have developed many loyal customers. We see them getting busier and I’m confident that this time next year there will be a lot more projects underway.”

Quantum currently has a team of 20 staff and is a valued member of the NP Group which includes Norman Piette, Eco Homes, Annandale and Project in Guernsey as well as Blanchard Building Supplies in Alderney. Paul says being part of this family of businesses is extremely positive for customers.

“It widens our portfolio, it gives our clients many more options when considering products and services, and there is fantastic expertise in these companies which we can call on quickly and easily. Particularly with larger projects coming up, such as the new hospital development. We know that our membership of the NP Group ensures that we are well placed to be able to supply everything a project of this size requires.”

Paul says he is really excited about playing his part in Quantum’s next chapter and developing the business and continue the good work already undertaken.

“I am fortunate that having worked so many years in the industry, from my early days as a tiler right up to my current position I have met and have worked with so many experienced professionals, many of whom have become my friends, and I look forward to working with them again in the future.”

When Paul is off duty, he is father to four daughters, grandfather to three and is a Variety Jersey member and is chairman of the Variety Sailing Trust which takes deserving children out for trips on their catamaran. He is also a longstanding and active member of the island’s small-bore shooting community.