Member Article

Turnover up 26% for Smailes Construction

An Amble-based, specialist construction company is expecting to surpass the £3m turnover barrier this year.

Smailes Construction, which has announced a 26% rise in annual turnover to £2.35m up from £1.86m, is primed for scaling up with £2m worth of contracts already secured for 2017.

Since its launch in 2012, the company has completed a wide range of predominantly negotiated contracts in the private sector spanning larger home refurbishment and extension schemes to some commercial projects within education, offices and industry.

Last April, due to a growing demand from private clients for lifestyle enhancement projects, Smailes Construction launched its subsidiary brand, Huxmar, to provide a design and build service for bespoke summer houses and kitchens.

As the reputation of the company has grown, Huxmar continues to generate further projects and contacts within the private residential market.

According to Mr Smailes, the business does not focus on minimum or maximum contract values but considers every opportunity on its own merit by assessing the risk profile of a project.

As a result, it’s not unusual for the contractor to consider £5K projects alongside £250K projects.

Viewing his workforce as his greatest asset, the company currently employs a direct workforce of 16 staff selected for their skills, work ethic and commitment to the business.

He explained: “Every member of the team must believe in our vision and every time they enter someone’s home or business, they understand what is expected of them.

“I’m comfortable with the size and nature of our business and believe that we are creating a working environment that is enjoyable, professional and importantly, sustainable, building on a reputation that is inclusive and above all fair.”

Smailes Construction is also committed to supporting young people and addressing the industry’s skills shortage.

As such Mr Smailes employs three apprentices, as well as a self-employed bricklayer, who has been enabled to attend further training at college as part of his working week.

Furthermore, he strongly believes that establishing a reliable supply chain has played a significant part in the ongoing success of his business.

He continued: “I’m a real advocate for healthy, open relationships and close collaboration with suppliers and specialist subcontractors. Through adopting this approach coupled with maintaining our principles, everyone benefits, most of all clients.”

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