Tell us who you are?
We are industry leaders in construction facades, specialising in external envelopes, unitised facades, aluminium glazing systems, rainscreen cladding, and lightweight steel framing (SFS).
What services or products do you offer?
We offer a full design, supply, and installation service. Our work spans across 3 sectors:
- Recladding projects where we act as the main contractor.
- Traditional large residential and commercial schemes, both on and offsite.
- Unitised projects.
How many team members are currently employed – who are they and what do they do?
Approximately 150 people are directly employed, mostly at our head office in Ballymena, Belfast.
Our office here in Bury is one of the estimating offices.
What made you want to start your own business / or work for your company?
Here in the Bury office, we have all come from a previous company as one team, as were drawn to Clarke’s vision, purpose and values:
- Collaborative – build trust with each other and with clients; do what you say you’ll do.
- Creative – innovate, problem solve, pioneer new methods, and have fun.
- Brave – have courage, be accountable, make decisions, and lead the way.
- Determined – show grit, take early action, get the job done right the first time.
- Passionate – love what you do, explore all possibilities, and grow and evolve.
Be true to yourself.
Why was Bury Businesslodge chosen as a location / how long have you been here?
We are moving into Imperial House in June.
We chose this business lodge for its location near Manchester and its links to major cities. The added bonuses of car parking, breakout areas and a gym also played a significant role, as our next steps involve expanding this Estimating office and launching an apprentice programme.
Are you based in any other location?
Ballymena, Belfast.
Are you planning anything exciting in the near future… personal or business?
Clarke currently has a turnover of £55 million and has investment partners like BGF to manage our growth. BGF has invested £3.5 billion since 2011 in over 500 companies, offering working capital, risk reduction and sustainable growth.
Our aim is to achieve steady growth over the next 5 years, with 70% of our work being repeat business due to the quality and service we offer our clients.
At our office in Bury, we plan to expand our staff and establish an apprentice academy for Estimators in Facades.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Employ the right people and treat them well, and your day-to-day operations will be much easier.
Also, promote people based not only on their performance but also on their ability to collaborate with the team. The best leaders within a group are those whom you would trust with your family in an emergency. Often, the best performers are not necessarily the best leaders and can create a toxic work environment, which is detrimental to everyone.
You’re on a team night out, where do you go?
Recently, went Axe Throwing which was a cracking night out.
