The Annual 2019 - Punchline Gloucester Business Magazine

CONSTRUCTION

The Barnwood ethos is still driving GeneralWorks after a decade of succ

Built on the solid foundations laid down by one of the county’s biggest construction firms, Barnwood General Works is celebrating a decade of success. From an idea designed to combat the effects of the credit crunch and subsequent recession, the company that turned over £1million in its first year grew that total to £8million-plus in 2018. Director Guy Cook is keen that the company doesn’t get too carried away with growth, preferring to think about quality of service rather than turnover. “The secret of our success is keeping the Barnwood ethos running through Barnwood General Works,” Guy said. “We’re non-confrontational, we don’t pick up the contract every time there is a problem. If there is an issue, we talk about it and get through it. “We resolve problems without making a fuss and people like to work in that way and come back for more.” Barnwood General Works was set up to fill a hole in the market, caused by circumstances and the ongoing effects of the credit crunch. It was a low-key start and, despite the success, that has followed they have been keen to retain a small and close-knit team.

“We started off on April Fool’s Day in 2009 and we are now in our tenth year of trading,” Guy said. “We started with just me, a computer, a secretary and a contracts manager. “When the recession started to bite in 2008, the tap was switched off on bigger projects to a certain extent and Simon Carey, the MD

Guy Cook

of Barnwood Construction, had wanted to extend our services into smaller projects which had previously been turned away. “Another benefit was that if Barnwood General Works could do some of the smaller jobs for the larger companies in the area, then it could also create openings for Barnwood Construction. “That has worked quite well over the years, however we’ve grown and built our own client base, including EDF and Safran. “Our work is a mixed bag, we’re doing industrial and commercial work, refurbishment of historic, listed buildings and specialist works.” The transformation of Formal House on St George’s

Place is a stand-out example of how Barnwood General Works adapts to meet a specific brief in a unique setting. The existing warehouse feel of the building has been retained, while adapting retail and office space, as well as adding a two-storey extension – all while the building was still occupied. While there were challenges in getting the job done, Guy explained that they were overcome by adhering to that “Barnwood ethos.” “Formal House was a difficult job to do,” Guy added. “It was restoration and refurbishment, with the combination of a new build and

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60 | February 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

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