110 | Good outlook for growing team The firm’s focus is now on larger renovation projects and new builds. BG Build: Jacks Ridge “I would describe our services now as more bespoke, tailored to the needs of each client. This year has been good, with the addition of one new employee, and the outlook into the new year is strong.” BUILDING Looking back on the development of his Tauranga-based building company, Ben Gourley of BG Build, recollects starting out as a one-man carpenter back in October 2021. In the space of four years, the business has grown organically to now engage a team of six full-time carpenters, including two apprentices. “It’s been great to have one apprentice go all the way through. The team now consists of two site managers, one qualified builder, two apprentices, our administrator and myself. It is a good size for the nature of work we undertake,” Ben says. Given this change in scale, Ben’s role has also changed from swinging a hammer to maintaining the pipe-line of work ahead and ensuring that each project underway runs smoothly. He does this by supporting the site-managers, who are each responsible for their projects. And what they take on has also evolved, shifting away from smaller projects such as bathroom and kitchen renovations to larger renovation projects and new builds. This, Ben says, has been a natural and positive transition. “I would describe our services now as more bespoke, tailored to the needs of each client. This year has been good, with the addition of one new employee, and the outlook into the new year is strong.” Ben stresses the importance of growing at the right rate. He understands the responsibilities that go with taking on a new member of the team, especially enabling those working in the business to progress their own building careers. Asked about a new project that will see Ben and the team engaged for some time ahead, T T Sue Russell he says the new residential life-style development at Jack’s Ridge, in the lower Kaimais is progressing very well. “It’s a family farm cut up by the client who has had the land for 25 years. “There are already a couple of homes on the site and the project involves development of three new life-style sections, each between 8–20 ha in size.” Ben says the development has been fully-consented and work is about to get underway on construction of roading and associated civil works. “The development includes a bridge over a water-way, so there’s a lot involved in getting this through council and getting the site developed to the point where the sections can be sold and houses established on them. The existing houses are on the mains network, but the three new homes will be fully solar powered.” Along with this, other green elements are intended, including collection of rain-water for recycling purposes. “We’re going to be assisting with the bridge construction which we intend to begin in January, after a bit of a break. Then it’ll be on to the houses, the plans for which are pretty much nailed down.” TAURANGA MT MAUNGANUI LTD Unit 5, 20 Owens Place Mt Maunganui 3116 P: 07 574 7058 F: 07 574 7059 www.roofingsystems.co.nz Roofing Installation Re-Roofing Roof repairs & maintenance Insignia Design & Architecture: We believe that great design enhances lives Rhys, O’Brien Homes, Customer 8+years BUILDERS Insignia Design, B G Build’s designer of choice, has been engaged in creating the homes’ design footprint. Though Jack’s Ridge is a large on-going project, Ben intends to have one or two other projects on the go during the developments build. “We aim to have teams working in pairs. This gives plenty of opportunities for our team to experience different builds and challenges.” Summing up the journey to date, Ben says he’s very happy with where things are at and feels he has all the building blocks in place to be able to grow the business on as opportunity presents. “Bunnings Trade has been a solid partner in our growth. Their support keeps our jobs moving. We are in a good position now with the team. My focus is to work on the business rather than in it. This will create opportunities for growth from the strong base we now have.”
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