‘Ambitious PiLON’
Filed Under Country Curtain | Posted on April 7, 2008
PiLON might be a sub-contractor, but it acts and thinks like a main contractor. Thats because it aspires to become one - and this bold newcomer sees a dedication to customer service as the key to unlocking that goal.
Theres nothing like making a good impression, and thats exactly what relative newcomer PiLON is determined to do; it doesnt simply turn up for work as a subbie and expect to be managed but arrives fully prepared to take ownership of the job and show its own ability to take on the managerial burden.
We are set up like a main contractor but we are a subcontractor, said Rob Hutton, Business Development Executive. This saves the main contractor costs at the top end, because if we have a site manager, a project manager and a contracts manager in place, it means that the main client does not have to put so many of their staff on site because we are covering it and that is all part of our service.
The company directors established PiLON in 2004 with the intention of creating a progressive and diversified general construction company, capable of tackling any level of refurbishment and building work in either the public or private sectors.
Based in Bracknell, the company is making short work of some extensive Decent Homes programmes as a specialist subcontractor across Greater London and the South East region. Currently, its active across fifteen sites.
Among its capabilities, the companys portfolio of skills includes the capability to work on internal jobs, covering kitchens, bathrooms, Mechanical %26amp; Electrical, decoration, flooring, tiling, plumbing, plastering and more. It also carries out external projects, including external decoration, works in communal areas, brickwork repairs and more.
It also provides responsive maintenance services and is capable of working on specific new build projects.
Since its inception, PiLON has grown to employ some 300 operatives with over 40 management staff on site and 30 administrative staff based at its Bracknell head office. Last year, the companys annual turnover exceeded %26pound;5.8 million, with a projected turnover for this financial year of %26pound;12 million.
A commitment to responding to a clients needs, combined with a flexible approach to ensure those needs are met, have proved to be the backbone of that growth.
Given PiLONs set up, it should be obvious that the company has ambitions to grow itself into a position of becoming a main contractor. By the same token, it is no flamboyant aspirant bedazzled by its own dream; it fully intends to take a measured approach to achieving its aims striking only when it is confident of its readiness.
We are more than capable of growing to main contractor status and we are well on the way to doing that, but a lot of companies make the mistake of thinking they are ready before they actually are. We know we have got a few years to go before we can take that on board, Hutton added.
Meanwhile, we are implementing %26lsquo;cutting edge business management systems to help us manage all of our business aspects. These systems cover the financial, commercial, procurement, human resources, Health and Safety, payroll, project management and customer service aspects at PiLON. We also have specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in place which enables us to monitor and improve our service on a daily basis.
Our aspiration is to reach main contactor status and we know the steps required to get to that stage. We are putting everything into place now to gear up for the future.
This approach to the business management systems and infrastructure is mirrored in its approach to staff and environmental issues. All of its staff members are required to undergo a health and safety induction course, and this is backed up with regular refresher courses.
It also conducts regular %26lsquo;toolbox talks on site as well at its head office to ensure health and safety remains at the forefront of peoples minds. PiLON is also working towards the OHSAS 18001 quality standard for Health and Safety which is widely recognised across the country.
The company is dedicated to training of its staff and is an active user of the CITBs construction skills courses alongside its own in-house training sessions. PiLON feels this has been a winning combination, not only bolstering and developing employee skills but also helping to build a team spirit and sense of camaraderie among staff. The company intends that all of its staff should be qualified to hold the CSCS card by April this year with 60 per cent of staff already qualified.
As well as the trades, PiLON also takes an interest in maintaining the professional and managerial skills among its staff. It has a strategic partnership with the Cranfield School of Management. Currently, PiLON is focusing on higher management, with the aim of providing the management team with the training techniques and information they need to improve them both as individuals as well as managers.
This is a reflection of the companys philosophy that people are at the heart of everything it does. Its about ensuring the clients as well as the staff feel looked after; recognition that it is the dedication of the staff along with their openness and encouragement that delivers the successful outcomes of the companys business.
PiLON is affiliated to the Federation of Master Builders and Construction Line, with the process of achieving Investors in People status well underway. Further accreditation is also underway to achieve NICEIC status and Corgi registration.
What sets us apart from our competitors is the service we provide, Hutton added. We give unbeatable added value content. Our main focus is on the customer. Whatever the customer wants we will deliver always exceeding their expectations.
That is the self-assured confident speaking of a company that has set its sights high; so perhaps a few years from now, Housing will be welcoming a new main contractor to the fold. Time will tell.
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