78 | Dig and Form T T Kim Newth Foundation specialists winning approval Founder Alice Nuttall has a strong background in digital technology and business systems, while her partner Charlie brings strengths and experience on the tools in residential construction. “Our real point of difference is that we have our own inhouse team of employees that deliver our dig-outs and formwork, and our focus is very much on precision engineering.” CONTRACTING Canterbury-based Dig and Form Ltd is rapidly making a name for itself as a fast and dependable provider of high-quality, raft-based concrete slab foundations and excavation services for residential builds across the region. The company has made an impressive debut in the local market since launching just over a year ago. With an ever-expanding portfolio of successfully completed projects, Dig and Form has a growing reputation with some of Canterbury’s largest house-and-land builders. Founder Alice Nuttall has a strong background in digital technology and business systems, while her partner Charlie brings strengths and experience on the tools in residential construction. Alice saw an opportunity to bring their skillsets together in this new venture. “We saw a gap for a specialist business in this part of the market, and a way to do things differently. Having come from a family with strong business backgrounds, I set out quite early to have an advisory board to guide us, with mentorship from my father, as well as Phil Harris, an experienced accountant and financial controller.” Both have supported and guided her as the company has grown its strategic and financial frameworks. Significant upfront investment was also made in top-of-the-line gear and equipment, such as a premium orange bracket system to ensure clients would get the best service. Alice started Dig and Form right around the time that she and Charlie were also starting their family together. Their two daughters are now 17 months and three years old, respectively. Alice says it has been an incredibly busy first year in business. As well as being focused on her family and part-time work at Deloitte, Alice has been busy checking the numbers, building systems, HR and compliance, and fostering client relationships for Dig and Form. “Our real point of difference is that we have our own in-house team of employees that deliver our dig-outs and formwork, and our focus is very much on precision engineering. “Our clients tell us they are super-impressed with our service and the quality of output with fast, strong results. If the foundation goes in quickly, then the whole build is set up for success.” Dig and Form has extensive local knowledge of Canterbury’s unique ground conditions, as well as local council requirements. It means they can solve problems before they turn into costly issues. In a recent testimonial, James Bowden, operations manager at Absolute Homes, praised the team for getting jobs done in plenty of time and doing a great job on-site. It’s a sentiment that many of their clients share, including Amberley-based Murchison Homes. “Marty, the owner, is another local who set up in business on his own, and like me comes from a business background,” says Alice. “It’s great to work alongside others on a similar journey. We’re also lucky to have a really strong local partnership with Tormax concrete specialists too – we’re good friends with co-owners Hamish and Mikayla Sword. “They are a big part of why clients love us too, as they get such a high-quality finish on slabs.” Dig and Form encourage their team to aim high, supporting them to upskill and achieve qualifications, such as the Certificate in Foundation Construction (Level 3). “We’re currently looking for more form workers and excavator operators to join our team,” Alice says. “We have a great culture, a solid crew and well-organised sites with a steady pipeline of work. “For people who are process-driven, it’s the ideal career pathway. It’s not so much technical skills that we look for, but the right attitude, a willingness to learn, work and to contribute as part of a team. In return, we pay people what they are worth.” Alice says the challenge moving forward will be around finding staff now that the housing market is starting to gain momentum. 03 318 1198 admin@southernscreenworks.co.nz 50 Bealey Rd, RD1, Aylesbury www.southernscreenworks.co.nz On site mobile crushing and screening with modern tracked machines • Deliveries available from our Aylesbury Quarry of AP20, AP40, AP65, boulders, sand, dust & premix.
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