March 2020

“It is important to
remember that our
customers are the
most important thing in
our business and
without them we’d have
nothing”
over the years for lots of different reasons. In
recent years the project that stands out would be
Dalbeattie Learning Campus. This was a very
challenging build with lots of intricate detailing,
pitched roofing, vertical cladding, single ply,
rainwater and leadworks – all on a massive scale
and to a very tight programme. Although difficult,
this project was also very rewarding, following
completion we won the NFRC Scottish Award for
Roof Slating 2018.
TC: What about difficult customers, how
do you deal with them? Any situations that
stand out that you can tell us about?!
MB: In my area of work every customer can be
difficult at times; their need is always greater
than that of their peers, however it is important to
remember that our customers are the most
important thing in our business and without them
we’d have nothing. It is vital to build longstanding
relationships and trust with customers,
this really does help if/when difficulties arise.
TC: What’s the most frustrating thing
about your job?
MB: The most frustrating part of my job is the
lack of young talent entering the roofing industry
at present. The skilled labour pool throughout the
UK is diminishing every year and without
replacing the skills learned through time by our
more experienced workers, these will be lost to
future generations. In my opinion, it is imperative
that apprentices and trainees are brought into the
industry to ensure future growth and ongoing
development to the overall trade.
Avonside roofers on projects: “it is imperative that apprentices and trainees are brought into the industry to ensure future
growth and ongoing development to the overall trade.”
TC: And the most satisfying?
MB: The most satisfying part of my job is always
looking at the finished product, especially where
the project has either been technically demanding
or labour intensive. Winning then retaining the
NFRC Slating Award in 2018/2019 were a
particular high point for both myself and my
team.
TC: What’s your most important tool as a
roofing contractor, either in the office or
on site?
MB: If you ask any roofer what the most
important tool is they’d say either Stihl Saw, Nail
Gun or a good hammer, however in my opinion
the most important tool as a roofing contractor at
any level is communication. You must be able to
communicate with your workmates, site team,
staff, clients and suppliers. Great communication
can make any roofing contractor’s job a lot easier.
TC: What’s the biggest issue currently
affecting you as a roofer?
MB: As it is February and I live in Scotland I’d
love to say the weather, however this question
leads me back to a previous answer where there
is the lack of skilled workers, training and
development in the roofing industry. As the
business grows there is a need to both train,
develop and recruit more staff every year,
something that we have done quite successfully
to date but this is a constant challenge.
TC: How was 2019 and are there reasons
to be positive for 2020?
MB: 2019 was a challenging but rewarding year.
It presented a few difficulties along the way such
as staff illness, labour shortages and even
uncertainty regarding Brexit, but we still managed
to finish the year in a strong position. 2020 has
already started very positively for me personally
due to my very recent promotion to Branch
Manager at Avonside Roofing Edinburgh. It’s a
massive step for me but it’s a challenge that I’m
really looking forward to facing and as I already
have the right team in place to support my role, I
know this will be another successful year.
Contact Avonside Group
www.avonsidegroup.co.uk
@AvonsideGroup
MARCH 2020 TC 27