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Company Is Driving Forward In Pole Position

Redworth Construction’s managing director is 49 year old Howard Rogers, he drives his Aston Martin whenever he can but he’s got other cars to drive as well.

“I just love motor sports and cars,” he said. The speed addict has travelled all over the world following his passion and just a couple of months ago he went to the Monaco Grand Prix and met rookie formula one sensation Lewis Hamilton. “I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to speak to him,” said Mr Rogers. “He seemed a very down to earth kind of person, no pretentions about him, just a nice bloke,” he added.

The former Filey School pupil is now in poll position at the head of a construction company, which will have a turnover of £30 million this year.

Tell us about your business, what is it you do?

“We’re primarily a construction company specialising in design, construction and fit out of care related schemes, we also build commercial projects, housing associated schemes, children’s day nurseries and schools.

“In addition we are a development company and can provides a full ‘turn key’ package including land acquisition, through to completed developments on speculative and none speculative basis.”

When was your company established?

“In 2001.”

Where do you work?

“Local projects have included nursing homes in York, a residential home in Harrogate; and a canteen and play area for York City Council. But we’ve also completed care homes in Abingdon, Burnt Oak, Histon and Waltham Abbey; nursing homes for Meridien Healthcare in Stalybridge, Duckinfield, Huyton and Leeds. A nursery and offices in Oxford, a care home on Hull and social and specialist housing West in Keighley. We’ve completed projects as far apart as Aberdeen and the Isle of White.

“We also landed a contract to build an extension to Norton College. They’ve just has s special turf cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of phase one of the college’s multi-million pound sixth form development. Phase one of the development consists of the new sixth form building and the relocation of four tennis courts and farm buildings. Phase two of the development will feature an animal care building, including further learning and teaching spaces and an indoor sports hall.

“Obviously we’re absolutely delighted to have been chosen as contractors for this project. Our developments are built to the highest standards, using the latest design techniques and eco-friendly products. We work closely with sustainability specialists and use local knowledge and labour. We can take on projects like this because we have a strong, talented and focussed project team, which will ensure that the Norton College extension is delivered on time and within budget.”

How many people do you employ?

“52 directly employed and between 450 and 500 on sites around the country.”

What do these employees do within your company?

“All aspects within the business from pre-contract to accounts, to production and customer service.”

Can you tell us about any plans for the future of your business?

“The company was formed in 2001 and has progressively expanded year on year with a turnover this year expected to be in the region of £30 million. “The secured workload for 2008 will ensure that the £30 million turnover will be exceeded. The company will continue to expand and develop with the ethos into the years ahead. Typically our contract values range from £1 Million to £9.5 million but an average value will be between £3 million and £4 million. As a result of that success the firm is relocating to a purpose built £5 million office development in Old Malton next year.”

Has your business had any worrying times?

“In running any business there are worrying times, having a good team around you to share the problems really helps though.”

Can you tell us about your company’s charitable works?

“We support many different charitable events around the country.”

Does your company have any sporting links, a football team, bowling or anything similar?

“No, but would like to support local motor sport in some way.”

Howard Rogers has been married to Dawn for 21 years. The couple live in Suffield with their two children, Garath, 19 who is working in the company and Zoe, 15 who is in her final year at Scalby School.

Mr Rogers comes from the village of Westow near Malton . He and his family moved to Scarborough when he was young.

After motor sports Mr Rogers enjoys walking and exploring France.

“I’ve always been a speed junkie, stemming from the days when I used to tear around the North Yorkshire countryside in a Mini Cooper S that I built for rallying from a bare shell. That came to an end when I was at a rally and rolled it several times over at a hairy bend. Fortunately all that was injured was my pride.

“I still love tinkering with my 20 year old 4X4 110 Land Rover, or zooming along the German Nurburgring racing track in my red TVR, whose 3.6 litre hand-made 350 brake horsepower engine powers it from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds.”

However when it comes to business Mr Rogers likes to take his time and is slightly more cautious. “I don’t rush into things. Even when I make positive decisions, I sleep on them before acting,” he said.

“Being successful in life is about treating others as you wish to be treated yourself. The success of any company is down to the people who work there, having a pleasant and friendly working environment for personal development within the organisation,” he added.

BUSINESS FACTFILE

Redworth Construction, Leat House, Welham Road, Norton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 9DS Tel (01653) 690099

Managing director, Howard Rogers.

Commercial director, Paul Hughes.

Howard@redworthconstruction.co.uk