| 89 T T Sue Russell Getting the basics right Dughall Aitken Ensura Building Services BUILDING Dughall Aitken has always worked in the building sector and today leads Ensura Building Services, based in Auckland and Whangarei. Driven by the ambition to operate his own business Dughall first purchased an existing business a decade ago, selling kitchen sinks and appliances in Auckland and Northland. Through hard work he doubled sales and then looked outward again, considering his next business venture, selling that business in the process. That came in the form of buying ICF Fencing in Auckland in 2016. Dughall says those early years gave him the confidence to continue to strive for professional growth. This came in the form of also purchasing Ensura Building Services in August 2018, with silent business partner Jeremy White. Ensura Building Services concentrates its activity in the renovations and insurance reinstatement sectors. Covid brought its fair share of challenges, slowing growth somewhat, however Dughall says when major weather events occurred in Northland this sparked plenty of insurance work. Seizing project opportunities as these presented, Ensura Building Services rolled up their sleeves and took on what was then their largest single project, the refurbishment of Whangarei’s Distinction Hotel, completing the task late 2022. “That was a great job as it provided us with a long-term project we could fit other smaller work around. In 2022 we also got involved in commercial work with two projects. One was a fire reinstatement a petrol station in Kaikohe and helping with building of the Whangarei Civic Centre,” says Dughall. A long-term connection with insurance work means that when events such as Cyclone Gabrielle happened, there is demand for the company’s work. Concentrating too on just renovations and commercial maintenance/ repairs means Dughall and the team have evolved systems finely tuned to this area of the building industry. “We can sometimes have over 60 jobs on the go at the same time, so you need to be highly organised.” Asked what the secret to success is, Dughall says it comes down to getting a few basics right. “You’ve got to communicate well with clients and your team and the work culture is very important. Everyone needs to work in well together.” These days Ensura Building Services works from two bases; one in Whangarei, the other in Manukau, Auckland, along with what Dughall describes as a number of mini branches. These were already in place when he and Jeremy bought the business. “Essentially they are stand-alone contractors, that help us cover all corners of the Northland region.” Another core work activity is contracting to ACC and the Ministry of Health who help people with disabilities, or through accident, adjust to living at home, by providing necessary modifications to spaces inside, such as bathrooms, and building ramps etc outside. “This extends to putting wheelchair lifts at the front door, building new driveways and car ports as well.” Ensura Building Services concentrates its activity in the renovations and insurance reinstatement sectors. Dughall is especially proud of the fact that the business has achieved Sitewise Gold accreditation, meaning its health and safety systems for clients and contractors alike are at the highest industry standards. “That itself opens doors for us, particularly with insurance companies and other government agencies such as the Whangarei District Council.” Holding to high standards has meant it took Dughall several months to find the right person to take over as the new Branch Manager in Whangarei. “I waited until someone, with the same drive to deliver the best quality service, was interested in the position.” These days Dughall keeps himself busy with HR and business development. “I have a great team in the office taking care of the operational aspects of the company and its great to be in the position we are in now.” 0800 845 277 • 09 945 4794 • 027 272 8847 info@specialtyglass.co.nz 150 Lower Dent St, Whangarei NZ’S LEADING WARDROBE COMPANY HAS THE BEST WARDROBE SYSTEM FOR YOU ▪ Wardrobe Systems ▪ Wardrobe Doors ▪ Office Areas ▪ Laundry Storage ▪ Garage Storage Custom Designed 0800 80 30 50 innovativeinteriors.co.nz Hot finance deals! It’s a Perfect Match! Covering Northland - Harrisons comes directly to you ... Wonderful Made Easy! Over 1,000 samples from top quality brands Match your Carpet & Hard Flooring with our Curtains & Blinds Expert advice and installation Harrisons Best Price Promise See our Website for Specials & Finance deals Locally owned & operated since 1962 BOOK A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION 0800 103 004 | 09 438 3582 - harrisons.nz
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