Job creation and growth planning for a leading construction provider in North Wales.
TIR Construction is a family-run business based in Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd. Established by husband and wife Tony and Tania Edwards, the company has grown considerably over the years to offer bespoke design and construction solutions in North Wales, including conversions, conservation and restoration of historic buildings, renovations, house extensions, design and new builds.
- specialist HR support
- 5 jobs created in 2019
- skills support with recruitment schemes, apprenticeships and training
- tendering and growth assistance
Introduction to business
Penrhyndeudraeth-based TIR Construction Ltd is a leading provider of high-quality construction services for public and private clients, offering new builds, restoration, renovations and home extensions across North Wales.
TIR Construction has established itself amongst the top building companies delivering high quality, sustainable construction projects across a diverse range of sectors including residential & private housing, commercial, leisure, education and industrial, with their portfolio spanning from traditional building contracts through to new builds and renovations, to the design and build of large-scale landmark developments.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
My husband had originally started the business 20 years ago and decided to make it a limited company in 2012. I was working as a long-term supply teacher at the time and, following a moderate growth in the business, decided to leave my teaching career to assist with the office management before becoming a Director. As my knowledge of construction was very limited at the time, I started to look for funded agencies that would be of help and started receiving advice and support from Menter a Busnes. When Business Wales was awarded the funding to carry on with the work, I registered our company to receive further advice and support.
What challenges did you face?
5 years ago, construction was a male dominated industry in this part of Wales. I recall when I first contacted CITB for support, I felt that I was not taken seriously as I was new to the industry. There were no advertisements for support and funding.
The support and information I have received from Business Wales has been beneficial to TIR Construction and has helped us achieve our goals, e.g. been successful in securing a place on various frameworks. Most importantly, all correspondence has been in Welsh. This is my native tongue as I have been born and raised in North West Wales. All my education has been in Welsh and my career was based in local primary schools teaching through the medium of Welsh. It is also a blessing to work with female colleagues from Business Wales.
Business Wales support
TIR Construction have received a wealth of support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, including assistance with tendering and HR.
Having attended several tendering workshops, Tania and the team have also benefitted from advice on how to tender for public sector contracts.
As the business had concerns about breaching legislation and the potential financial and reputational risks to the organisation, Tania turned to Lowri Dundee, a specialist HR adviser, who helped with contracts of employment, compliance, policies, legislation, recruitment and staff handbooks, as well as provided advice on managing performance.
TIR Construction are also working with Business Wales’ Relationship Manager, Alan Woodbridge, who has provided advice on streamlining processes and is working with the business on their growth strategy.
Outcomes
- specialist HR support
- 5 jobs created in 2019 including a plasterer, a bricklayer, 2 apprentices and an office administrator
- skills support with recruitment schemes, apprenticeships and training
- tendering and growth assistance
Lowri has been beyond wonderful and has put me on the right track a number of times. She is highly professional and knowledgeable in what she does. Nothing is too much trouble for her, and she will always get back in touch when I leave a message. Lowri has helped me create contracts of employment for all our staff members, tailored to the purposes and needs of the company. She has also helped us with our handbook and relevant policies and is reviewing and updating them when necessary. What I find especially convenient is that she comes out to our office when needed. Lowri has provided invaluable support and advice over the years and referred me to other team members for further help. I am extremely grateful.
Future plans and ambitions
I am now enrolling on a workplace-based Business Admin Level 4 course through Coleg Menai, Bangor. We are currently on two major Construction Frameworks in North Wales and are bidding for another one at the end of this month. We have started on new build projects for Grwp Cynefin and have been awarded two major external contracts by ADRA. We are also developing our in-house talent and hope to recruit more staff soon.
In future, we plan to be on more construction frameworks and win more contracts which will ensure that we can grow steadily. We would also like to find bigger premises, employ more local people and hopefully build new homes for people in the community.
If you want to read more success stories of how Business Wales has helped other people like you to start or grow their businesses, visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/case-studies or follow @_businesswales / @_busnescymru on Twitter.