The Company was founded in 1948 by Mr J S Blackwell and Mr J C
Stanistreet both of whom have since died.
Mrs H L Blackwell who was for many years the Company Secretary retained
an interest in the Company right up to her death last year at the age of 99.
The
Company developed slowly at first but during the last 20 - 25 years has
expanded steadily as the type of projects on which its services could be
utilised has widened. Initially asbestos cement sheets were used on warehouses
and factories. Then coloured steel and aluminium came more into the marketplace
along with the demand for greater insulation. Built-up felt roofing was also
offered but this has now been overtaken by single ply membranes to complement a
full spectrum of services. The Company is also on the approved list for a
number of Specialist roofing systems. These include the highly rated Kal-Zip
system. The only types of roofing not offered are slates; tiles; and asphalt. However
these trades can be undertaken on a sub-contract basis if required.
The Executive Directors have an average of 30 years
service with the Company and so have the experience to deal with all types of
roofing projects. Two of them are Founder Members of the Institute of Roofing.
Other Senior Members of staff (three of whom are
also Members of the Institute of Roofing) have an average of 25 years of
service with the Company and many more within the Industry.
All drawing work is carried out in-house and is
recognised to be of the highest standard.
Most of the Company's Contract Supervisors have had
on site experience and have been trained and promoted internally to ensure
known standards are maintained and continuity preserved. They are assisted by
the Company’s Safety Manager who ensures that all work is carried out to the
highest safety standards.
Training of operatives [to NVQ standard] and staff
is carried out on an ongoing basis. The Company works closely with the CITB,
Due to the high reputation gained by the Company it
has not been necessary to employ full-time salesmen or representatives as
satisfied Clients have always given the Company the opportunity to tender for
further work.
As
the Company is in the business of providing a service it has always been
willing to carry out all types of contract whether they are large or small;
easy or difficult. There is no minimum
size but a sensible maximum is £ 1 million.
Work is carried out either on a nominated basis or as a direct
Sub-contractor for a Main Contractor as well as direct for the Client. A lot of the Company's business has always
been in the re-roofing field where it has built-up a considerable degree of
expertise over the years working for such blue chip Companies as B&Q, DFS,
Burford Properties, Procter & Gamble, Peel Holdings, Network Rail, Royal
Mail, Shell and United Utilities. Many contracts are also carried out on
Schools and Hospitals as well as on Retail Parks.