LUCKY BREAK FOR HERTFORDSHIRE FENCING FIRM

It was a squash injury way back in 1994 that led to Tony Ewins setting up TAE(UK) Ltd based near Stevenage in Hertfordshire.

Tony explained: “I was sat at home for three months with a ruptured Achilles tendon twiddling my thumbs and I decided on a new start working for myself.

“Up until then, I’d been making sheds for Lewis Tyler & Sons and I thought why not go for it and started making a few phone calls to suppliers.

“Ironically Lewis Tyler became one of my first customers after they outsourced their shed manufacturing to me. An unlucky break led to a lucky break!!” he added.

Tony started up as a one-man-band making sheds and gates but business steadily grew and diversified over the years with key appointments, such as current director Darren Smith, proving to be catalysts for progress.

Almost three decades on and his business now employs around 20 with half of the employees out and about servicing the fencing needs of homebuilders such as Bellway, Morris Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

Tony went on “The vast majority of our contracting work is new build house developments across the northern Home Counties but we also carry out domestic installations and undertake service contracts for housing associations and other organisations.

“We also specialise in the manufacture and supply of fencing, sheds, gates, summerhouses, garden rooms, playhouses, garages, offices and much more built to each customer’s specification.

“Within our yard, we stock a full range of fencing materials, including panels, posts, concrete posts, close boarding, gates and trellises. We supply fencing materials to both trade and retail.

“Our on-site manufacturing workshop enables us to make bespoke products to meet exact requirements; in addition to the products already mentioned this also includes bespoke railings, gates, height restrictors, handrails, disabled ramps, window, door grills and much more.

“With the Covid19 pandemic leading to more people working from home, we’ve seen a boom in demand for stand-alone home offices. Manufactured from cedar, these make for an attractive and multi-function addition to garden spaces.

“The impact of Covid led to us closing for 8 weeks but it’s been a case of full steam ahead ever since with demand increasing on all fronts. Like all businesses, we felt the impact of supply chain issues but that’s now in the past.

“We have always focused on the highest of standards and quality when it comes to our manufacturing as well as our customer service. Whether it’s a multi-million-pound company or a private customer, we aim to provide everyone with a first-class service.

“Looking ahead, we have no major plans for investment other than continuing to do what has worked for us to date. Keeping our customers happy keeps us happy!” added Tony.

Astute decision-making and sensible business management have played their part, along with the occasional lucky and unlucky break, in establishing TAE(UK) as a reliable name in fencing. Matchpoint to Tony it seems!

TAE(UK) Limited: 01438 869386 www.taeuklimited.co.uk