Business Central July 2021

74 | CONTRACTING Barker Contractors Chip sealing niche helps firm get going As well as chip sealing entranceways and driveways, Barker Contractors provides general earthworks, roading, hydro excavation and supply and delivery of aggregate. T T Sue Russell H aving made the decision to move away from forestry and heavy haulage back in 2016 Michael Barker thought carefully about what contracting services would provide a profitable way forward for the company based in Waipawa, Hawke’s Bay. He researched and discovered a niche mar- ket, chip sealing entranceways and driveways for both private house owners who wanted to improve their properties, along with a choice for property developers. “Designing and building the tanker was the hard bit and deciding to utilise modern emul- sions caused some issues in the tanker design, but we got there and now deliver a very usable and safe product”. Along with entranceways, which Barker’s are one of the few that the local Council allow to complete, and chip sealing projects, Barker Contractors provides general earthworks, roading, hydro excavation and supply and de- livery of aggregate from its quarry now based in Waipukurau, utilising their new bulk truck and trailer units. A large and exciting project, made possible substantially through the Provincial Growth Fund, is currently keeping some of the team at Barker Contractors busy. Ngā Ara Tipuna, due for completion at the end of April, is a partnership between Tamatea Hapū, Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, brings to life seven historic pa sites in Central Hawke’s Bay through carvings, visually engaging displays and digital storytelling. “It’s a great project and we’re thrilled to have secured a significant role in it, including up - grading the paths and entrance ways at Hunt- er Park, Pukeroa Hill and installing the display structures, lighting, signage and seating along with new car parks.” Asked what he puts the success of the company down to, Michael says its a combina- tion of decades in the industry 40 plus years, building long-term relationships, the quality of the work his team deliver and a very good projects manager. With the recent purchase of a couple of new truck and trailer units, they also took delivery of a small concrete truck, Barker Contractors is able to offer existing and potential clients a wide range of civil services. “I am always thinking about what else we can offer.” Now, after over 40 years in business Michael says it’s time to hand-over the family-oriented company and has appointed a General Man- ager. Taking his time to find that right person, Michael was wanting someone who would carry on the company with the same philoso- phy as he has. “I just want someone to run it as a family business and look after the team. That’s really important to me.” And finding his staff has been a case of working intuitively, looking for the right attitude to work and an ability to be a team player. “We don’t advertise often and we have guys dropping in their CV’s. “I ask a few upfront questions to gauge what’s important to them and then I will inter- view those I think will fit well.” Michael also knows its important for the team to have a good work/life balance and he encourages them to ensure they spend good quality time with their families. ”It can be easy to slip into working all the time when there’s a lot of work on, but it doesn’t pay in the long run to do this.” Barker Contractors takes on projects throughout Hawke’s Bay. Michael under- stands that working around the Bay, with its small communities peppered throughout means that word of mouth referrals are really important. “You do a great job and more work comes your way. That’s how it’s always been.” 14 Kenilworth Street, Waipawa 4210 P 06 857 8327 M 027 454 8178 E admin@chbengineering.co.nz W chbengineering.co.nz For All Your General Engineering Requirements • Shearplant and Woolpress servicing • Earmarker sharpening, servicing and manufacturing • Clipper Blade sharpening • Mobile Welding, so we can come to you. • CNC Plasma cutting, Guillotine and Folding “Proud to support Barker Contractors”