CONSTRUCTION MAKING HEADWAY IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
Photo: Heading up the new Kingswinford office, L-R: Des O'Neill, Richard Slater, Steve Speller, Mark Hudgeon, Jo Boxley
Comparably to other UK regions, the West Midlands was particularly hard hit with construction down by as much as 22% back in 2010.
While not unaffected by the recession, one company in particular has begun to experience areas of growth and an increased forward workload over the last few months. Speller Metcalfe, one of the largest privately owned building contractors in the West Midlands, believe there are positive changes afoot – not just for the Company but across the region.
“Like many of our competitors we suffered during the recession and had to tighten our belts accordingly, but it certainly feels like the market is becoming more buoyant,” says Steve Speller, Joint MD at Speller Metcalfe.
“So far this year we have employed over 20 new staff and expect to see a record turnover of £85m in the next financial year, with 100% of work already secured for 2013-14. As such we have now opened our fourth office in Kingswinford, and expect our continued workload to filter down to our supply chain across the region, as well as provide tendering opportunities for new sub-contractors and suppliers in the West Midlands, bringing another boost to the local economy.”
As an SME that regularly competes with larger contractors, Speller Metcalfe believe that consistent investment into new skills and best industry practise has ensured the Company has come through the worst of a difficult trading period.
“While awards sometimes appear trivial, they recognise industry leaders and a certain quality of work being applied,” says Steve. “In 2012-13 we won numerous awards for our sustainable and innovative building practises, including being shortlisted for the BIM Initiative of the Year in 2013 against household names such as Crossrail and Costain.
“Our focus has remained on being one step ahead of our competitors and as industry leaders, offering our clients best value and practise. While we have had periods of financial difficulty it is this long-sighted attitude that has held us in good stead, as well as the teamwork ethos and family approach that our clients, sub-contractors and even our employees look for in a company.“