BUSINESS HEATING UP – DESPITE THE WEATHER

The team at CDI – the Cotswolds based Estate Fencing and Metalwork company – are reflecting on another busy summer, making sure to appreciate the hard work involved in not only the day-to-day workings of the business, but the additional load brought on in the lead up to their show-piece event at the Game Fair.

This year, the event was based at Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall, billed as an exclusive venue in the heart of Shakespeare’s country, Ragley is the ancestral seat of the Marquesses of Hereford. “The Game Fair is a significant undertaking for the whole team” Says Pete Boulton, Contracts Manager at CDI “But when it’s based at Ragley it makes the logistics side of things that bit more manageable only being 40 minutes from our base in the north Cotswolds”.

Planning for the event starts well in advance, from securing a prime pitch, to designing the stand and scheduling the build days into the busy fitting schedule, the show requires all parts of the business working together to give the company the best chance to show off their products. “We always want to make a big effort for the Game Fair, given the nature of our products, to not put the time in would only do them a dis-service” says Hughie Powell, Managing Director of Cotswold Decorative. In the weeks leading up to the show the workshop is tasked with preparing a full range of product samples, and then its over to the fitting teams to build and dress the stand to make sure the products all look their best and give potential customers a realistic view of the finished product. “We like to take a bit of everything to the show, all our fencing styles, finished in various colours. Entrance Gates, Field Gates, Pedestrian Gates are all on display, as well as various Tree Guards, Metal Edging and even a Bridge made specially for the show” Continues Pete Boulton “the Bridge being in our Hereford style is just a happy co-incidence for Ragley Hall”.

When asked their favourite part of the show, Office Supervisor Amy Bishop explains “Getting to meet and speak with the customers face to face is always enjoyable. It’s also a great chance to catch up with familiar faces, the Game Fair introduces us to a large portion of our business, so meeting up year on year and getting repeat orders is always rewarding”.

Away from the Game Fair, the early summer good weather meant the anticipated high season rush came ahead of schedule this year and has continued despite an unseasonably wet July. “We’ve been a both national and international company for many years, but it’s a trend that gladly continues for us” says Hughie Powell “In the last quarter, we have carried out fitting jobs in all corners of the country, continuing work for a high-end construction company on the Essex coast, large private estates in Yorkshire and Berkshire and a National Trust property in the west country to name a few”. “We also continue to send regular orders to the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe”.

Looking ahead to Autumn, CDI have more exciting projects on the horizon, a recently confirmed order for 1500 metres of Deer Park Fencing to be sent to the south-east, and a long-awaited fitting project of 1.2m High Standard Fencing and Gates on the Isle of Mull will commence. “We’re fortunate to have hard working and committed people in all parts of the business” says Pete Boulton “The fitting teams work tirelessly through the longer days, and the workshop and office take the summer rush in their stride to keep the orders heading out the doors on time. It doesn’t always go to plan, but the team are well experienced and flexible when they need to be, so the outlook is bright”.

Visit www.cdis.uk

Call 01608 685134 enquiries@cd-ironworkers.co.uk