About us
Timstar is a family owned company founded by the Chairman, Tim Wilton-Morgan in 1970 while he was still at school! Tim started supplying schools with living and preserved materials, aided in the deliveries by his mother & father. His wife, Sue, joined him in the business in 1994 and their children learn the trade in their school holidays. From humble beginnings in a shed close to Oulton Park racetrack, Timstar moved to a semi-detached poultry barn, then to a former airfield, then to a new industrial unit in the centre of Crewe and lastly to purpose designed premises to suit our requirements. Timstar has evolved into a company that supplies all manner of science teaching equipment resources and services. We are now researching the prospects for new premises to accommodate our predicted future expansion.
Following a period of sustained growth and the introduction in December 2005 of a new team of Technical Sales Advisors, who are the cream of their profession, Phil Tomlinson was appointed as Managing Director in January 2006 to assist in managing the growth and ensure our service to customers remained the best it could be. Phil grew up in the education business as his father Sir Mike is a former head of Ofsted.
In 2006 we acquired the rights to the Nicholl Education range of products. These UK designed and manufactured products provide a unique and innovative offering. 2007 saw the acquisition of Finlayson Scientific, a family business based in the North East. This allowed greater penetration into this region, and retained the family service that Finlayson customer's enjoyed.
The Timstar family of departments are as follows;
Sales
Alan North (
alan@timstar.co.uk) is our highly experienced and well known Sales Manager directing an experienced team of Technical Sales Advisors comprising Jan, Anne, Jean, Julie and Lucienne who are delighted to offer demonstrations/inset training etc. Julie has special responsibility for Primary science.
Customer Service
Rachel Taylor (
rachel@timstar.co.uk) is our efficient Customer Services Manager who heads up our friendly team eagerly receiving your calls, faxes, emails and post. As a Science Education company, that is what they know about! This team is your first point of contact and will deal with whatever you require.
Marketing/Products
Mark Jeffrey (mark@timstar.co.uk) is our Product Manager, with a wealth of experience of school science equipment he ensures all products selected are fit for purpose. He is aided by our knowledgeable Technical Officer Liz; they are both happy to help you with your queries. We have an in-house Graphic Designer responsible for producing our catalogues and marketing material. Our Stock Controller tries to predict what you will order and ensure we have adequate stock, & our fastidious Marketing Assistant manages product information and keeps this website running!
Operations
Andy Glover (
andy@timstar.co.uk) heads up our operational team. He is responsible for all aspects of buying in and delivering the products you order. Our dedicated warehouse staff is headed by Steven Fidler, he supervises a hard working and conscientious team that prides itself on packing and dispatching orders to you as quickly and accurately as possible. All orders are picked, checked and packed by 3 separate people to ensure accuracy – each delivery note will show the initials of those responsible for your order.
Quality
We take quality and service very seriously, Neil Smith (
neil@timstar.co.uk) is our Quality Auditor and is responsible for maintaining and raising the quality of everything we do and supply. You will know if Neil has inspected your products, as there will be QC tape sealing the packaging. Any goods returned will be dealt with by Neil until you are completely happy. Any complaints or failings are investigated by Neil and the processes/procedures are updated to improve our service. Neil is also responsible for the Computer System ironically called "Khaos Control" - it does exactly what it says on the tin!
Michelle Dawson (
michelle@timstar.co.uk) looks after all aspects of the business finance. She and her trusty assistant will help you with any accounts/invoice enquiries.
Timstar prides itself on offering an excellent service to science education, and is continually developing the product range. We welcome input from our customers and frequently implement their suggestions.