Business Central February 2021

82 | Ezra Bell Construction Ezra - happy in his work in Northland Sue Russell Ezra Bell Construction has completed many stunning architecturally designed homes in Whangarei. BUILDING Phone: 09 437 9420 | Fax: 09 430 3418 Email: sales@whangareiitm.co.nz | Website: www.itm.co.nz/whangarei Proud Supplier to Ezra Bell Construction Ltd www.apexroof.co.nz Longrun & Metrotile Residential & Commercial New Builds & Re-roofs Colorsteel Fascia Continuous Spouting Specialised Longrun Wall Cladding info@apexroof.co.nz 09 438 2496 QUALITY. SERVICE. EXCELLENCE. Proud to work alongside Ezra Bell Construction Ltd E zra Bell established his construction company in May 2012, but his time on the tools goes back 14 years. He holds a national certificate in carpentry and advanced carpentry and is a licensed building practitioner, supplying clients with a full scope of building services. Based in Whangarei, his projects extend as far north as Kerikeri and Mangawai and he concentrates on residential and some light commercial work. He and wife Sophie, a veterinarian, spent some time away from the region when she undertook her training in Palmerston North and upon return in 2007 Ezra went back to his former employer Trigg Construction. Coping with the global financial crisis was something the couple took in their stride. “Once I was out on my own, we didn’t need a lot of work to keep myself and an apprentice busy, so we managed to get through those challenging times.” That time seems many years ago now and today Ezra employs 17 builders, 2 project managers and an administration assistant. “I’m grateful to all the people in the district who have helped us to grow to the size we are now. “I think in smaller communities like Whanga- rei and surrounds, you do get a loyalty from locals who want to see businesses thrive.” And with a staff of this number, Ezra now is free to concentrate on pricing, working with clients and procuring work. He sub-contracts the services of a quantity surveyor to help. “I get the QS to estimate the cost of all the carpentry materials and labour while I take care of getting the quotes in from all the sub-contractors on the project. “Once the project has been costed out and contracts signed with the client, the project gets passed on to one of our project manag- ers who deliver the project. Open lines of com- munication are maintained with all involved. Since Covid-19 lockdown the management and administration team have been working from home, something Ezra says has only been possible given the use of today’s cloud- based technologies. “All our guys hours get logged through an App they have, so its been possible to keep all the systems ticking over really well.” Four apprentices are currently employed by the company and Ezra is proud to have played a significant role in producing a number of qualified tradesmen. Asked about the quality and nature of ap- prenticeship training these days Ezra says it is good there are two roads available to become qualified; BCITO and ITAB apprenticeships. “The BCITO structure suits adult apprentices as it is self-paced and as they are a lot more mature they are able to maintain progress without the structure of set classes to attend, whilst ITAB works well for young ones who have set times of classroom based learning.” When Business Central spoke with Ezra, he and the team had just completed a very substantial architecturally designed home for a local family. At 700sqm, the home has very high specifications and Ezra says he’s pleased the project came in on time with a tight time- frame surrounding it. Another centre of activity is in contracting to the Ministry of Education or Boards of Trustees to undertake upgrades and repair work in a province that has a number of older schools. “Schools just appreciate a job done properly so much.” One large school project at Glenbervie school has involved removing the frontage of a four classroom block, installing structural steel and joinery. “This had to be ready for when school start- ed at the beginning of this year and its totally changed the feel of the spaces inside. We find that sort of work really gratifying.” And with some staff engaged in this project, others are working on the site of the Avida Re- tirement Complex at Kerikeri, a major project Ezra Bell Construction was awarded. Asked if he intends to grow the company much bigger than it currently is Ezra says he would like to but will do this in careful steps to ensure there’s enough work on-going to justify further employment. “I feel a real responsibility to the team I have currently on board. “They are a great group to work with and we enjoy working alongside each other in our various roles.”