14 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Marlborough Business Awards: Taylor & Co Building T T Kim Newth Brace of awards rewarding for team The Taylor & Co Building team took out two awards in the New and Emerging Business and Youth Employer categories at the 2022 Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Taylor & Co Building made a big impact at the 2022 Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, winning two awards in the New and Emerging Business and Youth Employer categories. It was an outstanding result for this firsttime entrant. Collecting two awards on the night was an exciting and rewarding experience for the whole team. “We went with high hopes, hoping to perhaps get one award, so it was a really cool feeling to win two,” says Brad Taylor, owner and founder of Taylor & Co Building. “We feel very privileged. We had a table on the night, so all the boys went. They are as much part of these awards as I am; I’m thrilled for our team to have been recognised in this way. Apart from a 72-year-old, and a 63-year-old, we’re quite a young team of guys in their 20s and 30s. There’s great team morale and we’re great mates outside of work as well. I want to say a big thank you to all our awesome suppliers too.” As Brad observes, Marlborough is home to many skilled tradespeople. To be benchmarked against the best and emerge as winners has been humbling. “We have put in a lot of work to get Taylor & Co Building off the ground and to acquire the clientele and projects that we have today. These awards have definitely helped to further boost our local presence.” Brad was also named as a finalist for the 2022 Young Business Personality of the Year. “That felt like a real privilege too. It was great to see Ashlee Wiblin win that one – we’ve known each other for quite a few years now.” Taylor & Co Building was first established towards the end of 2020. In the lead up to that, Brad was working as a contract builder. He was approached by another local business to go into partnership and so Taylor & Co Building was born. By early 2022, Brad had bought out his business partner to become sole owner of the fast-growing company. Brad’s father Graeme is a senior member of the team. A qualified builder, Graeme has more than 50 years’ experience under his belt. Lead foreman is 24-year-old Harrison Morel, who also oversees the company’s apprentices. Brad says Harrison’s skillset is formidable. All three men play a lead hand in training the younger members of the team. “We take the time to teach them the right way and, at the end of the day, give them a career to be proud of. We’re now a team of nine. Below me, there’s six under 30, with a couple being qualified and another couple coming close. It has been hard to source qualified builders with a major shortage nationwide in that area. We have a tight scrutineering process to ensure the standard of work is high. I’m very fortunate, in that all four of our young apprentices really do want to be builders and that goes a long way because they have the right attitude.” The team also includes a former shopfitter, who is transitioning into Taylor & Co Building as a finishing specialist. Brad also plans to grow the admin team later this year so he can free up more time to get on the tools. Their lead electrician is Jason Chapman, of Revolution Electric, who is very skilled. Having also been Brad’s groomsman, the two share a great camaraderie on and off the worksite. Taylor & Co Building works right across Marlborough, from Rai Valley to islands out in the Sounds, as well as south to Kaikoura. Services range from new builds and renovations to decking, boatsheds, offices, schools and light commercial. “It could be half an hour by car and an hour by boat – nowhere is too much of an issue for us,” says Brad. Brad takes pride in fostering good client relationships, making sure people are kept up to date on projects, walking through the job with them at the end and doing follow up visits. “Those personal touches and follow ups are just so important.” Coming up for the team this year are some exciting projects including several substantial new home builds and a new car yard development. Plumbing Proudly supporting Taylor & Co Building Gas Phil Barrett 0274 819 808 email info@ampmplumbing.co.nz 5 Pitchell St, Blenheim 7201 - PO Box 450 Blenheim 7240 Ph: 03 577 51 60 - www.zorite.co.nz - admin@zorite.co.nz 2009 LTD • Gerard roofing services • Painting services • Suspended ceilings • Gib fixing & stopping • Exterior plastering • Fibrous cornice What we can do for you • Experienced, Certifying Drainlayers • Waste water treatment systems • Commercial • Residential • Subdivisions • Septic tanks For a free no obligation quotation Phone Murray. 578 4277 Cell. 027 608 8566 Marlborough • Kaikoura • Sounds
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