Pendock looking to recruit after strong period

Pendock employs 26 people from its headquarters in Halesfield, Telford and is looking to take on up to five new faces.

The firm, set up in 1987, manufactures and supplies a range of pipe boxing, column casings, encasement products and washroom cubicles.

Among its well-known clients include Marks & Spencer, Boots, Heathrow Airport, Audi and BMW.

It works with many schools, care homes and apartment blocks which are being refurbished,

Managing director Richard Braid said: "I joined in February last year and looked at how we could grow the business – commercially, through new products, sales, marketing. We have made good inroads into some of the sectors we are already working in.

"We have a huge range of customers and our aim is to service these consistently.

"Eighty-five per cent or our business is done in the refit sector. The good thing is that it will always be there and has been less impacted by changes with Government spending. Schools for example are regularly looking to refurb their washroom or heating.

"We have currently got 26 people here and because of how we have performed over the last 12/18 months, we are looking to recruit across all areas including machine operatives, office staff, and external sales.

"We have got an experienced workforce. We want to bring in fresh blood in to the business and train up the next generation of Pendock workers.

"We are looking for about four or five this year and because of our growth we are looking at the potential of introducing a second shift into the business."

Pendock is one of a number of businesses which have been stockpiling products in an effort to ensure stocks do not run low in the event of no-deal Brexit or any deal with the EU that slowed up the free flow of goods.

Mr Braid said: "We have a lot more stock there than would normally have, meaning we are quite tight at the moment.

"We've now had all of our Brexit cover stock. Overall, we have got about four months of extra stock because of Brexit.

"With some items it is 12 months which is dependant on how we buy it and how scarce it is around the world. Some of the timber we buy comes from Africa and comes via Spanish distribution.

"It means we are able to fulfil contracts seamlessly without the customer being affected by anything to do with Brexit."

Looking ahead, Mr Braid said he wants the company to build on its recent success.

"We want to grow staff, continue to develop our existing products and also look into new markets.

"We have secured the premises for another five years with the landlord with some improvements that we have agreed to have done," he added.