How One Roofing Contractor is Hitting the Mark in the Pandemic

THE ROOFING INDUSTRY has proved itself resilient, resourceful and buoyant over the last six months and Marksman Roofing + Cladding Ltd is no exception.

The company’s office team of 11 comprising contract managers, buyers, estimators and quantity surveyors – based in Calverton, Nottinghamshire, is mostly made up of people in their 20’s and 30’s. According to Travis Merryweather who works as an Estimator, this gives the company an energy and vibrancy that has really helped the business to respond to the current conditions.

“It’s a great atmosphere to work in,” says Travis. “Here, it’s an exciting and open environment. We all sit down to discuss projects and solutions and everyone’s opinion is welcome. It means we’ve been able to work fluidly and responsively over the last six months to help our clients hit their targets.”

Growth

The company was first established in 2004, but two years ago there was a significant change in management and structure. Paul Merryweather took over sole ownership of the company. Following this, the business’ annual turnover, which had previously remained fairly static at £1.5-2 million for several years, started to take off. Since 2018, the company has achieved between £4-5million per year and that is projected to grow to £8 million next year.

This growth is reflected is the wider range of roofing systems the company now offers. The firm has added all the major cladding, roof tiling and flat roof system manufacturers. Most of their work comes from main contractors and surveyors but they have also offered tiling and flat roofs for housing new builds and some domestic work.

Regular roofer team

Marksman Roofing + Cladding employs a team of up to 10 roofers and cladders with a pool of sub-contracted professional regulars on their projects. This regular team has been invaluable as they’ve tackled some huge stand-out projects, such as Hinkley Point, several student accommodation blocks, the biggest modular hotel ever built with a roof of 15,000 m², Thames Tideway and most recently, HS2’s new Euston Station terminal.

Since the pandemic started in March, the company has trained and adapted its workforce to Covid-secure operating procedures and, says Travis, it’s not had much of an impact on site productivity for them: “We’re either up on the roof or working from a MEWP on a wall out of the way. So, we’re not as affected as other trades who often have to work in close proximity. It’s mainly in the canteens or coming on to site that our teams come into closer contact with others and we make sure they follow procedures so that they stay safe.”

The success of Marksman’s approach is seen in an ever-expanding order book and they continue to look forward to the challenges of further growth.

“Whatever the pandemic throws at us, we’re determined to cope with it and keep succeeding,” says Travis. “We’re lucky to be in this fantastic industry and we’ll do our best to play our part in making sure it’s one that continues to thrive.”