Business Central July 2021

| 95 BUILDING Schaw Building Successful firm able to navigate tricky times T Sue Russell Projects extend all over Hawke’s Bay, from the couple’s base at Waipukurau. B orn and bred in Hawke’s Bay couple Marcus and Sarah Schaw operate Schaw Building. Formed in 2010, at a pretty tough time, when the impact of the recession was really showing its teeth in building sector, Schaw Building has steadily grown through succes- sive years. Today, it is well-established with a team of 11 builders and apprentices on board. Sarah takes care of project managing once a project is out of the ground as well as the necessary administrative tasks. “As we grew, we realised we needed to rationalise how Marcus and I worked, so split- ting the project management and carrying specific responsibilities for each of us works really well,” Sarah says. Projects extend all over Hawke’s Bay, from the couple’s base at Waipukurau, throughout central Hawke’s Bay and into the Maraekaka- ho/Hastings area. And while there’s a sense out there that the world has bounced back re- ally well post-Covid, Sarah says the experience now is that the sector is getting strained. “The cost and supply of building materials is certainly having an impact. We’re really con- cerned that the industry is going to price itself out of reach for home-owners and we’re mak- ing some plans around this,” Sarah explains. During the lock-down itself and period shortly after, the couple prioritised maintain- ing great communication with clients, so they could have a clear sense of the impact Covid would have on any projects on their table at the time. Sarah’s also acutely aware of the impact these uncertain times is having on their own mental health and that of their team. “We have recently had to reduce our team numbers. This was a tough decision to make and implement because we have a great team, but the reality is the industry is incredibly difficult to navigate at the moment.” There’s also the anxiety felt by those who have made plans to build a new home and for Sarah, who is dealing with a client in just that position, it’s a case of continuing to main- tain a lot of contact and carrying a sense of empathy. “At the moment we are also seeing sub-contractors really struggling to keep on top of things. We’re all having to make adjust- ments and be flexible as much as we can.” Work is firmly booked through to July next year which is encouraging in terms of making plans. Helping at a stressful time to ensure there is adequate work/life balance is essen- tial Sarah says. “We absolutely don’t work weekends. We have workers with young families and also with sporting commitments in the weekend and that’s really important to maintain.” A positive is the large number of clients who have engaged Schaw Building over many years. Sarah says that Waipukerau is a fantas- tic rural town to live and work in. Schaw Building also services the rural sector, constructing barns and helping clients maintain farm buildings. Ensuring that clients even with smaller jobs are looked after is also a priority at this time. “We know that when the crunch hits the construction sector, those smaller repair and renovation jobs will be very important to us all, so we value all our clients, no matter what the size of their project.” The couple’s three children, ensure that when not involved with building, or planning projects, Marcus and Sarah have plenty of other things to focus on. Luke’s Electrical Services Satellite TV and aerial Installer Electrical Installations & Repairs Call Luke or Taresa on 027 333 22 72 or 06 8577 305 187 Racecourse Road RD 2Waipukurau Email: lukesigvertsen@gmail.com Contact us today for all your window and door requirements Ph: 06 878 0160 | E: info@twincity.co.nz | 513 Queen Street West, Hastings Twin City Aluminium— your local FIRST Windows and Doors manufacturer Approved supplier to Schaw Building Phone 06 858 8460 | ashbys@mitre10.co.nz OPEN 7 DAYS FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING SUPPLIES