UK Enterprise Awards 2021

74 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 May21245 Best Local Builder 2021 - Cornwall So much more than just a building firm, Salmon & Collett puts its heart and soul into each and every build, to ensure complete client satisfaction time and again. We speak to Co-Founder, Lee Collett, about the core values on which this successful company was built. Salmon & Collett Building Services Ltd (Salmon & Collett) has been providing high quality, reliable building services in Cornwall since 2004. Created by its namesakes, Matt Salmon and Lee Collett, and supported by a team of dedicated and skilled tradesmen, the company has built a strong client-focused ethos with quality and value at the heart of all its work. The founders have worked in the building trade for more than 30 years, forming their own partnership in 2004 and becoming a limited company in 2016. Having lived in Truro all his life, Matt’s background in the industry is in masonry and he generally manages the groundworks, foundations, masonry and landscaping of all the company’s projects. When not driving a digger or supervising a concrete pour, he is a keen golfer and footballer, although most of his time in the latter is spent coaching and encouraging a youth team. Lee’s origins in the building trade are also in masonry and he manages the team of carpenters as well as organising the sub-contractors and other trades: electricians, plumbers and any other specialist trades needed for any particular project. Also Truro born and bred, Lee enjoys his leisure time on two wheels using the multitude of cycle paths in the county to take in the stunning views of the Cornish countryside. “We decided that starting our own business would allow us to work on a varied range of unique projects and to deliver great results, tailored to the requirements of our clients,” says Lee, one half of the dynamic duo. “We use our extensive experience to advise and guide clients during a project but combine that advice with a collaborative relationship with our clients, listening to what they want and planning how best to achieve their desired result.” Indeed, it is this attention to detail and focus on the customer that ensures Salmon & Collett stands out from the crowd and distinguishes itself from competitors. “Our clients are at the centre of all of our projects and ensuring that a personal service is provided at all times,” Lee explains. “We’re deeply aware that projects of all shapes and sizes can be stressful and we see it as our job to eliminate as much of this stress as possible. “This approach has given us a fantastic client base with the vast majority of work procured by word of mouth, with clients approaching Salmon & Collett as their preferred main contractor.” The pair now have a large client base ranging from private homeowners to large corporations and, although the company operates across all sectors within the construction industry, its main area of work is domestic, in particular bespoke new builds which have seen a huge increase in the last 12-18 months. “Our location in sunny Cornwall has definitely been a silver lining in what has otherwise been devastating times for many,” says Lee. “Cornwall is now the country’s hotspot for people looking to relocate and, as a result, the housing market is booming like never before. We are inundated with enquiries from relocating families looking to construct their new dream home or to renovate one that they have just purchased.” The Coronavirus pandemic has presented all manner of challenges to Salmon & Collett, from the shortage of basic building materials, to managing isolating staff and, most importantly of all, ensuring that clients and employees remain safe. “Needless to say that challenges of all shapes and sizes are a common occurrence in the construction industry; but there’s always a solution and our ‘problem solving’ approach has certainly helped over what has been an extremely challenging year, not just for Salmon & Collett, but globally.” Within the company, there is very much an open- door policy and the team culture remains strong. As a very close-knit team that works together constantly to overcome challenges, Matt and Lee strive to ensure that there is a very inclusive environment and a culture of equality in order to encourage positivity and enthusiasm which leads to providing the best possible service to clients. “We pride ourselves on creating a positive atmosphere within the organisation and ensure that this approach ‘spreads’ throughout our workforce and beyond to our supply chain and clients,” Lee enthuses. “We want Salmon & Collett to be an employer of choice and we’re proud to say that we have an excellent staff retention rate with a large percentage of our staff having been with us from the start.” This strong emphasis and focus on staff satisfaction have been present since the company’s inception, with both founders being acutely aware that the firm would not be where is it without a loyal and happy workforce behind it. “We think it’s testament to the combination of their dedication to our core values of quality and good service, and to our commitment to them to provide stable, safe and well-paid employment. That results in a great team spirit which we know is reflected in our work.” As well as ensuring that all the correct skills are there to carry out the job in hand, Salmon & Collett’s recruitment process firmly revolves around finding the right person who is the correct fit for the company. “Maintaining the team culture and our core values is paramount to furthering our growth and so employing staff that fit this ethos is essential to us.”