AXMINSTER Tools & Machinery is holding its Big Interactive Tool Event this weekend as it celebrates a milestone for its Basingstoke business.

The event is being held to mark the 7,700 sq ft store’s first anniversary in Basingstoke. The store, in Winchester Road, just off Brighton Hill Roundabout, was the sixth one that the growing Devon-headquartered business has opened.

Set up by two brothers in 1972, Axminster is a market leader in mail order tools and machinery, delivering to trade professionals and amateur DIY enthusiasts.

Resale director Martin Brown, said: “We are very much a family firm and we try and be a little bit different from other tool stores.

“We want people to be involved with what we do – here we will show you the right drill for the job. We sell over 100 different hand plans, so we will have the right hand plan for you.”

To exemplify this hands-on approach the business has gained a reputation for excellence for running a number of courses ranging from wood turning to metal working which are held at its Axminster Skill Centre, in Devon.

At a recent pre-birthday event at the Basingstoke store, one of Axminster’s professional woodturners, Colwin Way, demonstrated his skills, along with Ben Beddows, who showed his expertise in the intricate art of pyrography, otherwise known as wood burning.

They attracted people from far and wide, including an enthusiastic group of gentlemen from the Surrey Association of Woodturners.

Delighted with the recent event, Mr Brown said: “This store is doing very well. It’s new and so it takes a little while to get people to know we are here and what we are about.

“We are very pleased to be in Basingstoke – it’s a productive area as there are a lot of people in trades and hobbyists here.”

The firm makes and imports high-quality power tools that it sells whole-sale via its fast growing website – axminster.co.uk.