34 | Totalspan steps up in Palmy Scott and Rachel Hockly took over the franchise business, based in Palmerston North, in 2016. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Manawatu: Totalspan Manawatu T T Sue Russell Scott Hockly from Totalspan Manawatu describes the period over Covid as somewhat of a carnival in terms of business demand. As to be expected, that level of demand isn’t sustainable over several years, given the current economic stresses and strains; however, Scott says there’s sufficient work on the books at the moment to keep the enterprise ticking over. Scott and Rachel Hockly took over the franchise business, based in Palmerston North, in 2016. Prior to this, Scott had been in the civil construction sector for 18 years, involved in significant and demanding projects. He decided it was time to rationalise the work/life balance a little when the opportunity came up to buy Totalspan Manawatu. The choice to go with the brand was a no-brainer Scott says. Being part of an extremely well- organised and widely marketed brand with nationwide reach and huge support from headquarters just made sense. “The quality of our product speaks for itself. The brand is extremely well known and understood for its values and benefits it brings. There’s a lot of trust in what we deliver to customers and our longevity as a brand speaks for itself,” Scott says. While acknowledging that from a technical point of view, a shed is a shed, Scott says the product range and built systems have been carefully refined over the years. “We’re really big on service and our aim is to ensure every client has a great experience.” Once an order has been received for a shed, for instance, the biggest time-frame in creating it comes with the engineering and building consent. “Once foundations have been engineered and consented, they can take about a week to lay down, while the building above can be anywhere from two or three days to about two weeks usually, depending on size and elements included.” As part of a nationwide brand, franchise owners get together twice a year to discuss trends in the market and any new technical developments or changes in the building code that may impact a build’s design or construction. In all, the team at Totalspan Manawatu includes over 12 staff, across sales, design, project management including six full-time builders, along with a contractor, who takes care of all the foundation work. The Manawatu franchise extends as far south as Foxton and north to Waiouru. “We basically stay on the eastern side of SH1 and we extend right out to the coast as far north as Norsewood.” Lifestyle blocks and residential properties are the business’s bread-and-butter sectors. From time to time commercial projects are also booked, with about 20% of work stemming from that quarter. “‘We’re fortunate to cross over rural and residential spaces rather than only serving one sector. “We don’t do any ongoing building maintenance, but we do tell customers what they need to do, or have done, to ensure the building’s integrity into the future.” Each shed carries a 25-year structural guarantee and a five-year workmanship warranty. “We’ve got a head office who are very proactive in securing the reputation of the brand and maintaining its exposure to the market. We’re pleased we took up the opportunity to become franchise owners when we did.” Proud to be Associated with Totalspan - Manawatu PAVING AND FENCING CONTRACTORS LTD Fisher Windows - Palmerston North is proud to be selected by Totalspan - Manawatu for the supply of Aluminium Joinery for their projects. WI NDOWS B AY O F P L E N T Y ® Windows Bay of Plenty is proudly Locally Owned and Operated. Come talk to our experienced Team to discuss our top quality joinery for your home. 07 543 5052 1049 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North ph 06-356-7058
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