64 | Tees Business
By Dave Allan
Fast-growing home improvements business, The Build Directory, is planning to double turnover after moving into new Stockton premises.
Managing director Alisdair Beveridge said purchasing the 3,000 sq ft premises was a“ significant moment” in the firm’ s short but successful history.
The firm is fast becoming the local name for an extensive range of home improvements including windows and doors, conservatories and orangeries, kitchens and bathrooms, garage conversions, landscaping, driveways and patios, central heating systems, boilers and more.
Just three years after launching, The Build Directory has moved its team into Graythorp House, off Portrack Lane. The firm now plans to renovate the 10 offices and canteen, while there are also plans for a staff gymnasium.
“ We’ ve come a long way in a short space of time,” said Beveridge.“ When we first launched, we didn’ t have an office so would congregate in Greggs or a local coffee shop.”
After two years in the Portrack offices of builders merchant Joseph Parr, The Build Directory were ready to make a big step forward – and were delighted to find large new premises close to their previous location.
“ We’ ve formed an excellent working relationship with Joseph Parr and they were always first class landlords but I knew we’ d outgrown our premises there,” added
Expansion- Alisdair Beveridge outside The Build Directory’ s new base.
Beveridge. He says the move to grow was inspired by a visit to meet Charlie Mullins, the owner of London-based national plumbing success story, Pimlico.
“ Charlie inspired me because he’ s ordinary but has built a big business and has created lots of jobs along the way,” said Beveridge.
“ I’ d like to build the best business I possibly can and I can hopefully create many more jobs along the way. I’ ve seen the oak in the acorn – so we have real expansion plans. This is an investment in our future and
Building for the future
security for our staff.”
With an aim of doubling turnover by 2021, Beveridge aims to make The Build Directory Teesside’ s first fully one-stop shop for home improvements, with specific plans to launch a plumbing department and to grow their leading orangery and conservatory service.
Beveridge added:“ We’ ve achieved growth through teamwork and by providing a good old fashioned silver service. We’ re not interested in being the cheapest but we do pride ourselves in being the best, always providing that personal touch.”
EXCLUSIVE:
Mayor hails pivotal role of‘ Mr Teesside’
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen has revealed the pivotal role Steve Gibson played in negotiating with Thai banks to buy back the former SSI site, near Redcar – a deal that could unleash billions of pounds of investment on Teesside.
The Bulkhaul and Middlesbrough FC boss was a key member of a delegation that accompanied Houchen on a trip to the Far East to try to secure the future of the former steelworks site.
Rarely keen to talk publicly, Gibson’ s role in moves crucial to Teesside’ s future prosperity has largely gone under the radar.
But Houchen, who appointed Gibson to the role of vice-chairman on the board of South Tees Development Corporation, says his role has been vital.
Houchen said:“ Steve doesn’ t sing and shout about it because he’ s not that type, but whether people know it or not, he’ s incredibly dedicated to and passionate about this region.
“ I’ ve seen how committed this man is to spending his own time, resources and good will towards improving Teesside.
“ He sees himself as a conduit to helping to deliver transformational change to Teesside.
“ Everyone knows about Steve’ s commitment to the football club but he isn’ t just about football. He is Teesside through and through. He is Mr Teesside.”
And Houchen added:“ Steve commits himself to drive local investment opportunities. He is a big help to me in my aims to deliver some very big projects.
“ He helped me to negotiate with the Thai banks and it was fantastic to have someone like Steve alongside me, with all his experience and knowledge.”
During the trip, Houchen and his team met with senior delegates from a number of global operators with facilities in the Tees region, including Lotte, Samsung, Nifco, Mitsubishi Chemicals and Fujifilm Diosynth
Dedicated- Steve Gibson is playing a key role in the future of the former SSI steelworks site.
Technologies.
But the key meeting resulted in the agreement in principal for South Tees Development Corporation to buy back the former SSI site.
Houchen said:“ We have 100 expressions of interest from businesses looking to bring investment and job opportunities to the site, ranging from millions to many billions of pounds.
“ Long-term, permanent jobs will come within weeks, if not days, once we’ re able to announce that we have the land. I’ d be extremely disappointed if the deal wasn’ t completed by the end of the year.”