1973
Founded in the garage of their family’s Draycott home by Rob and Isobel Sanders in 1973, when they were in their twenties. The company soon outgrew this facility and moved to their first site on Siddals Road in Derby.
About us
We are a leading UK-based provider of power tools, power tool accessories, hand tools, fastenings and fixings, and associated products. Since 1973, our vision has remained the same, and that is to champion a brighter future for the construction industry. Over the years, and throughout uncertain times, we’ve gone from strength to strength and now have 5 depots located within the East Midlands, we can offer over 10,000 products with next day delivery service and click and collect and it’s all thanks to you. We couldn’t have done it without your support so thank you for sharing our vision.
Our company was established in 1973, by Rob and Isobel Sanders – a husband and wife team, who wanted to create a professional and ethical business. Practical experience and a passion for finding ways that save time, and increase productivity made the company unique, but as the business has developed modern technology and forward-thinking ideas have been embraced to drive efficiency wherever possible. This became one of the driving forces behind our on site Tool Repair Centre, one of the leading tool repair companies in the UK, we know that power tools are the bread and butter for any tradesperson, and when things go wrong this can have serious consequences. Tool Repair is a sustainable and more affordable solution than buying new power tools, we want to provide our customers with maximum safety whilst minimising costs.
It’s this culture that remains at the heart of our organisation and continues to influence everything we do today.
No matter the profession, our product portfolio is tailored to every need – whether it be joinery, fit-out, drylining, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, offsite manufacturing, or other construction-related trades, including the engineering and metal fabrication industries.
The company ethos relies upon a team of people with pride, passion, and a desire to constantly learn new skills; embracing innovation for the good of our customers, suppliers, colleagues, and the wider environment. The commitment of our entire team makes it possible for Protrade to deliver on all levels, with consideration to our social and ecological responsibilities.
Our Locations
While we have an informative and easy-to-navigate website, we still believe that customers value and appreciate being able to visit a bricks and mortar environment, where they can ask questions and receive face-to-face advice, or simply collect goods for immediate requirements.
Our group headquarters and national distribution centre, located in Derby, is where we stock over 10,000 product lines, specially selected by a team of experts with over one hundred years of combined industry knowledge. We’re also proud to have supporting depots right across the East Midlands.
We are proud to offer same-day click-and-collect from each of our depots, simply select the click-and-collect option at the checkout.
Derby
Burton
Chesterfield
Mansfield
Nottingham
ISO9001 – You can trust our service
Independently assessed by BSI against internationally recognised standards showing our commitment to quality and assurance.
ISO 9001 Quality Management certified by BSI, FS21107.
Our History: Through the Years
1975
This new facility had dedicated warehousing space, a professional service centre with testing equipment, and a bespoke sales area.
1993
Protrade celebrates 20 years in business. It is soon clear that D.I.P.T will need to move to a bigger site that allows us to increase staff, stock, and depot space.
1996
With incredible foresight, D.I.P.T Limited was the first business on Pride Park, Derby, surrounded by what was at that time a huge expanse of wasteland.
1998
The business park soon filled up with other offices, restaurants, leisure facilities, and of course an (at the time) Premier League Football Club.
2005
Through customer research, Protrade realised that many trade professionals had suffered the same challenges. That being, finding a consistently high performance, premium range, designed with industry in mind, which is readily available to the market at competitive prices. As a result, the Maxitek range of consumables such as adhesives, fastenings,…Read More
2013
We moved our head office, service facility, central distribution centre, and Derby depot to Sidney Robinson Business Park, Ascot Drive. There are now 5 Protrade depots located throughout the East Midlands Including Burton, Chesterfield, Derby, Mansfield, and Nottingham.
2023
Protrade celebrates 50 years in business at its head office on Ascot Drive, Derby. Original company founder, Rob Sanders, remains a group director while his son Craig Sanders is now Joint Managing Director alongside Des Duddy.
Brands we Stock at Protrade
Get In Touch
For media and press enquiries, please email: marketing@dipt.co.uk
For general business and customer service enquiries, please email: sales@protrade.co.uk
Our contact form can be found here.
