Hughie Powell

Hughie Powell has led an interesting life and continues to do so in his role as MD, founder and owner of Cotswold Decorative Ironworkers (CDI).

CDI is based in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, and specialises in the manufacture and supply of bespoke metal estate fencing, gates and bridges.

Originally from Stratford-upon-Avon, Hughie went to school just outside the area in Bidford-on-Avon before embarking on some globe-trotting, work-based adventures that have proved formative.

Hughie explained:

“I’ve travelled all over the world with work including a stint in Australia working on heavy plant machinery, underground in a gold mine.

“I then moved on to Papua New Guinea and worked as a manager looking after around 600 men and a fleet of trucks.

“I’ve also spent time in Paris where I had various shops selling antiques and curiosities including telephone boxes and fair ground rides… anything that was a little mad!

“I returned to the UK selling metal works and I decided to start CDI around 30 years ago. I could see that there was an opportunity to supply estates in the area with high quality, bespoke fencing and gates and decided to go for it.

“I never dreamt that the business would be so successful and we’ve established a strong reputation within the fencing community as well as countless estate customers right across the UK.

“My current role with CDI is really focused on management and overseeing the smooth running of the business although I have taken more of a back seat in recent times and handed over more responsibilities to Pete, my son-in-law.

“Pete is now running CDI after 15 years and started at the bottom. He has earnt his title as the Director from working hard and now has the business running smother than ever.

“That said, I still love getting involved and have always adopted two key principles. Look after your staff and look after your customers.

“Employing the right people is critical. You need a team around you that you can trust and it’s so important to give a lot of thought to recruitment. It will make or break your business!

“Similarly, giving your customers the best possible experience right from the first enquiry to the completion of the job is a key consideration. Get that right and you could have a customer and indeed a friend for life.

“This approach has enabled us to ensure that the quality of our products is of a high standard and we hold a good stock of items. Importantly, especially in these uncertain times, we always aim to keep our prices competitive.

“I’ve always enjoyed the various roles I’ve had in my working life and that’s no different to how I treat CDI. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing in life then you need to reconsider your direction.

“We don’t get long and we have to make the very most of life,” concluded Hughie.

www.cdis.uk

In the Hotseat

Where would you most like to visit in the world?

I’ve been to most of the places I’d like to visit with one exception… South America!

Which do you prefer most… wine, whisky or real ale?

Wine

What is your favourite band / singer / type of music?

Rolling Stones, Queen and a bit of loud pop music

What was the last book you read or are currently reading?

A page turner called ‘The Wager’ by David Grann. A true story of shipwreck, mutiny and murder on an 18th century English ‘man of war’.

Which sports if any do you follow most closely?

Snooker