Ploughcroft
A BRIGHOUSE solar and roofing specialist has provided a ray of sunshine for the building industry during the recession.
Ploughcroft has increased turnover by 17% during the past two years – creating 16 new jobs in the past 12 months, including a new technical director who brings a wealth of international solar industry experience with him to help further develop and expand the company.
The business was established in 1997 by Chris Hopkins and his father Bill as a traditional domestic building and roofing company.
After Bill’s retirement in 2004, Chris took the helm and focused efforts on developing a roofing company that was a little different from the rest. His vision was to provide “hassle-free roofing delivered with a smile” and help others in the industry improve their skills.
Ploughcroft is now the only solar roofing contractor with an NVQ solar roof training centre and Construction Skills Certification Scheme centre in the UK. It is also ISO9001, 18001 and 14001 accredited.
Since the introduction of the government’s feed-in tariffs on April1, the company has seen unprecedented demand for its services, which are delivered through three divisions – Ploughcroft Solar, Ploughcroft Building & Maintenance and Ploughcroft Training & Development. It also operates the Rooferman franchise business.
Investment in the new solar division resulted in the firm becoming the first roofing contractor in the UK to achieve the Microgeneration Certification Scheme accreditation. Earlier this year, it was also named Best in Britain by the MCS for its work fitting photovoltaic solar panels.
Since April 1 this year, Ploughcroft has installed more than 100 solar PV systems from Newcastle to Cornwall and is now a leading UK solar installer.
Despite its national coverage, more than 90% of the firm’s 30 employees live locally. The philosophy of keeping things local also extends to sourcing support services and materials.
Said Chris: “Supporting local business is a very important duty – even more so in difficult economic times.”
Chris is also keen to educate young people about the job opportunities in the renewables sector and has spoken at a local senior school to stress the importance of training and working in a growth sector such as solar energy.
And he is confident about Ploughcroft’s prospects, saying: “We have a fantastic proposition, with an unparalleled complete service of designing, surveying, planning, installing, after-sales support and training resources.”
Ploughcroft aims to have £10m turnover in the next two years – building on its commitment to quality service, workmanship and training.