STOCKDALE FENCING GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

A lot can happen in two years. Take Cheshire-based Stockdale Fencing, a ‘go-ahead’ business that was profiled within these pages back in May 2021.

Since then they’ve almost doubled in size and currently operate six or seven fencing teams at locations across the north Midlands and North West.

Phil Godson, who was involved from the start when Tom Stockdale founded the firm back in 2009, explained: “We’ve come a long way over the past 24 months. We’ve experienced impressive growth based on a real teamwork approach. We are all pulling in the same direction.

“We’ve been involved in a lot of work for HS2 between Lichfield and Crewe which has contributed to our success but it is our sales driven and customer-focused ethos that has helped us prosper.

“Tom, our contracts manager Mario Iurlano and I are out for much of the time meeting potential new customers and liaising with existing ones. There’s a real synergy here that has only been enhanced with the appointment of Kat Casey as Marketing Manager,” added Phil.

Kat joined Stockdale in 2022. A sports psychology graduate, Katbought with her a keen focus on social media and online marketing and her activities are continually generating new business.

“Around 50% of our custom is repeat business,” continued Phil, “with the content created by Kat making up the other half. She is working wonders in terms of getting our name out there. We get a lot of enquiries through Facebook for instance.”

One look at the Stockdale Fencing website tells its own story. It’s chock full of interesting content and relevant imagery and includes a comprehensive frequently asked questions section as well as more case studies than you can shake a fence post at. It’s a great example of best practice and illustrates what can be achieved with a bit of creative spirit and common sense.

“That’s our shop window,” explained Kat “but we have plans to improve it this year as well as further develop our presence on Facebook, Instagram and, to a lesser extent, Twitter.

“I’m a firm believer in using these platforms to grow our brand with interesting videos, photos and information that customers, old and new, enjoy engaging with.

“You have to use every medium going to stand out from the competition and blow your own trumpet and I’m delighted that this approach is working,” she added.

There’s a number of other reasons to explain the impressive strides made by Stockdale Fencing in recent years according to Phil.

“Back in 2018 we purchased the Cheshire Trailers business. Whilst that operates as a separate business, it does complement ou own operations. Our extensive range of machinery can be easily maintained using their resources,” added Phil.

Cheshire Trailers, also based on the same site in Knutsford as Stockdale Fencing, currently employs five including two experienced mechanics within the workshop.

Phil went on “It was a wise investment. We are always updating our machinery, including Quickfencers and Protechs, to ensure our teams have the best possible kit out in the field. Knowing that any glitches can be easily ironed out in Cheshire Trailers’ garage provides a lot of peace of mind.

“We also have a strong culture of promoting from within. That engenders loyalty and longevity from our staff and continually helps to reinforce that team ethic.

“We are always on the lookout for new recruits and intend to take on new staff over the course of 2023 as we continue to move forward,” concluded Phil.

Stockdale Fencing really is a success story and an example to fencing contracting firms everywhere of what can be achieved when you work as a team.

www.stockdalefencing.com 01565 722793