Working with George Roberts: Shared Roots, Success, and Stability

George Roberts is a Liverpool based engineering and scaffolding firm operating locally, nationally, and internationally. As well as selling individual scaffolding components to tradespeople in Bootle and beyond, the company also supplies scaffolding for multi million pound projects to global clients.

Dock has worked with George Roberts on and off for more than 15 years, and we recently started our new chapter together. 

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Two Audiences, One Business

When we first started working with George Roberts, our job was to help them grow two distinct parts of the business.

On the one hand, we were to drive large scale, enquiry led international supply for projects such as oil installations, major infrastructure projects, and heritage restorations. On the other hand, we were to develop a more accessible eCommerce platform for smaller orders, local collections, and an easy way for customers to buy what they needed.

We decided to separate the two audiences online. The main website focused on UK and international business customers, while a dedicated eCommerce site handled small and medium orders. This approach worked well, with each platform supporting the business in a clearly defined way.

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A Change in Strategy

About six years ago, George Roberts moved their website from Dock to a London agency, which recommended a rebrand and a change in direction.

It wasn't personal, we'd always worked well together. They just felt it was the change they needed at the time. We supported them with a smooth transition and continued championing them as a local business we were proud to have worked with.

They had some varying results, but when they decided to move on from the agency, we couldn't have been more delighted to get the call.

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The Return of The Scaff

“Would you like to come back in and look at taking stuff over again?”

We got right back into our flow. Nothing fancy, just a focus on getting the fundamentals right.

The first step was digital housekeeping. We made the site faster, improved the checkout process, simplified payments, and removed any obstacles we could find. Not the flashiest changes, but they delivered instant results.

This approach reflects how Dock works: steady, reliable, and built on long-standing relationships. Many of the same faces from a decade ago are still on the team today.

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Working Together

Today, Dock manages both of the George Roberts websites.

The international website still handles enquiries, with procurement teams asking for detailed quotes that include logistics, shipping, and large orders. The eCommerce site, GR Plus, serves tradespeople, small businesses, and local customers who might order anything from a pallet of scaffolding to a pack of screws.

Local delivery and same day collection gives customers the convenience they expect from big suppliers, while still keeping the personal service of a local business.

Importantly, the eCommerce platform is more than just a way to make sales. Smaller orders often turn into larger commercial projects down the line.

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Stability Through Stormy Waters

Thanks to their control over stock and manufacturing, George Roberts has weathered storms like Brexit, supply chain issues, and internal changes. The renewed stability of their digital platforms has, of course, also played an important role.

Dock now works with the George Roberts team on a monthly plan that combines website development, marketing support, and consultancy. There’s no trend chasing or flashiness, just steady improvement that delivers results.

This commitment to the long game is why clients stick with us. Or, as George Roberts did, come back to us when it matters most.

Shared Roots, Shared Success

Another reason our relationship with George Roberts works is our Scouse roots. 

Our shared language and culture mean we can offer George Roberts straight talking advice and grounded solutions rather than inflated prices and hollow buzzwords.

When we came back, their team called us “The Pizza Guys” due to our tradition of sending pizzas to the warehouse staff at Christmas. This familiarity and respect made it easy to pick up where we left off.

Since Dock took over the platforms again, some of the long standing issues have been remedied such as a new and improved checkout and overall sales have improved.Most importantly, George Roberts now has two digital platforms they can rely on to bring in business.

Real results don’t come from constant reinvention. They come from consistency, shared values, and the patience to do things properly. 

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