Colin Sims and his dad Gordon of Tilehurst Roofing Contractors
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Get the Business: Roofing specialists
By Paul RobinsSeptember 18, 2009
Gordon Sims has been putting a roof over people’s heads for the past 40 years. Son Colin gave Paul Robins the lowdown on the family business that really hits the heights
The business: Tilehurst Roofing Contractors, Unit 6, Lorne Place, off Lorne Street, Reading, (0118) 950 3204, 07831 466154, trc@tinyonline.co.uk
The bosses: Father and son Gordon and Colin Sims.
What is the business about?
“We are a roofing company that undertakes a variety of different works that include slate and tiled roofing, felt roofing, UPVC roofline and timber roofline works, guttering replacement and repair, leadworks, pointing, Velux installation, maintenance works.
“We do mainly residential work, but we also carry out a lot of work for schools and churches.”
What do you specialise in?
“We specialise in all aspects of roofing, felting, tiling and slating, also we are registered installers for Swish UPVC roofline products and also Velux roof windows.”
How did you start?
“My father Gordon started the business in 1966, carrying out felt roofing, before I started to work with him and learnt the trade.
“I then attended college to study quantity surveying and to understand the technical side of roofing, by learning how to read plans and drawings, and the business expanded its range over the years.”
What’s it like working with your dad?
“I’ve been working with my father for most of my working life. I joined the company as a labourer, and learnt the trade from an experienced tradesman.
“We get on well together, just like mates, rather than father and son.”
Does the Government do enough to promote traditional trades?
“I feel the Government has made it extremely hard to promote trades.
“There is far too much red tape and paperwork involved for small businesses these days, which makes you reluctant to take on new employees or train people, because it takes up a lot of your time with their requirements and you find there is less time to spend working on site.
“The plus point from the Government is that there are grants available for youngsters wishing to learn the trade now.”
What sets you apart from the rest?
“We have been operating for more than 40 years and the fact our customers return again and again – with the recommendations they pass on to others – is great.
“We try to offer a friendly, professional service that the customers feel comfortable with, and reassure them their works will be of a high standard.”
Has your business been affected by the recession?
“Things were a bit quiet for a short time, and we have had to make adjustments to the business as necessary during this time.
“But with people now remaining in their properties for longer, they know they want to keep their homes maintained and in good order, so we are still receiving quite a lot of enquiries for our services, which is encouraging.”
What’s it like being your own boss?
“I see myself as part of a team, rather than the boss. As with most small businesses, I am up early, work long hours on site, and then price work during the evenings and weekends. I always finish the day in the office, before going home. But I do enjoy my work.”
Are you confident about the future?
“Yes, we are a very well established company, with a good long track record.
“As long as we can give a good service, carry out high quality work, and be competitive, I am confident about the future, even in these hard times.”
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