HIGH STANDARDS PAY DIVIDENDS FOR RIDLEY FENCING
An uncompromising commitment to quality has paid off for Gloucestershire based Ridley Fencing that was founded in 1984
Four decades on and business is flourishing for Guy Ridley who took over the reigns from his father, Richard, who started the business. Operating across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire from their base near Tewkesbury, Guy and his team carry out mainly agricultural and equestrian fencing.
Guy explained: “My father started out with just a basic postrammer having taken a small loan from my Grandad and he never looked back. I took over ten years ago when he reached 65 although he still helps out with collections and deliveries from time to time.
“I’d been helping him out since I was able to walk. The fencing genes have been well and truly passed on!
“I’m now 39 and my body is feeling it although the machinery we’ve gradually acquired over the years does take the pressure off and makes the job easier.
“Technology has moved on significantly in recent years and we now run a Protech Evo 1, that’s used almost every day together with a tractor mounted Bryce; a 3 ton digger with an array of attachments and tractor with mounted Solonetter. The Protech Evo1 has an auger and extending track base which has transformed how and where we operate. We can now get to spots that we could never have reached just a few years ago and this expands the scope of what we can do.
“Seeing a completed stretch of fencing at the end of each day is a great feeling and knowing it could be there for the next 30 to 40 years makes it all worthwhile. Around 90% of the fencing we now install is creosoted which delivers far more longevity than tanalised posts and we remain committed to this approach.
“Getting the trust of customers is a hard won process but I’m unapologetic about our high standards. It was ingrained in me by my dad and it’s reflected in everything we do. I much prefer to be hands on with every job we carry out to ensure that those standards are maintained,” added Guy.
With two young sons and a daughter on the way Guy’s home life is as involved as it gets but he still finds time to indulge in his passion for rugby, taking in occasional home games for Gloucester and nearby Hartpury as well as England at Twickenham. The business has a healthy pipeline of work that stretches well into spring but Guy is well aware of the importance of protecting his reputation. A glance at his busy Facebook page feed provides a glimpse into the company’s many success stories.
“I’ve lived around here all my life and love the area. Doing this job gives you a deep connection to the land and you can’t put a price on that.
“If I can continue to carry on the hard work of my father for as long as possible then I’ll stay a happy man,” concluded Guy.
The forty years landmark is quite an achievement but it’s clear that this is one Guy who will keep going for as long as it takes with the same quality approach.
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