FEBRUARY | SECTOR FOCUS
IN TUNE
APRIL TRASLER,
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
NEPTUNUS
What have you noticed
changing in the structure sector
over the last year, and has it
changed or is it changing?
We have noticed that time
frames continue to shorten – the
period from sign-off to build is
much shorter, which means we
have to be super-efficient and
make sure all i’s are dotted and
the t’s are crossed to ensure
the correct equipment and
resources are allocated to each
project. Our bespoke computer
system helps a lot with this,
but at the end of the day we are
still reliant on a great team of
experienced people who can
almost ‘smell’ any potential
problems and react quickly to
solve them.
We have also noticed that the
welfare of our delivery teams
on site is more of a priority with
clients, who acknowledge the
benefit and importance of all site
personnel’s well-being, which in
turn creates a collective spirit
on site.
Brexit is on the horizon. Is this
going to cause you problem?
And how can you combat it?
Despite Brexit we have seen
our business in the UK grow
substantially over the past
two years and we anticipate
further growth in the future.
Uncertainty over the impact of
Brexit isn’t helpful but it is what
it is – and as a business we need
to focus on our business plans
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and not allow our attention to
be diverted by matters that we
actually have no control over.
Whatever happens regarding a
trade deal, or indeed if there is
no trade deal in place by the end
of 2020, we will have to adapt to
whatever the situation is at the
time.
“The welfare of our delivery teams on site is
more of a priority with clients”
Winning business – has this
process changed for you? Are
you more proactive or reactive
in this competitive market?
We have built a good
reputation to deliver quality
Neptunus structures and we
work with great regular clients,
but equally we are not resting on
our laurels and are proactive, in
terms of engaging with existing
and new clients.
What does the future of
Temporary structures look like
in 10 years’ time?
This industry has changed so
much in the last 30 years. When
I started in the business the
inventory was predominantly
pole tents! This makes me sound
like a dinosaur, but I’ve seen the
innovation from the first ‘frame
tents’ to the first Neptunus
triple-decker and our 65m wide
Evolution, the possibilities
therefore seem endless for the
future…