A Derbyshire bricklayer who launched his own business after being made redundant has hit a 10-year trading milestone of a £15 million turnover and the announcement of new jobs.
Christian Watson, who grew up and still lives in Belper, has recruited six new staff to grow his business, Phoenix Brickwork.
He also has plans for his brickwork, scaffolding and drywall contracting business to expand into London and the Home Counties.
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Pav Bains, Jim Chandler, Wayne Addison, Neil Weston, Raj Bains and Steve Gates have all joined Phoenix, with more appointments pending. All had previously worked for Bedford based Irvine-Whitlock.
Mr Watson said: “I have worked on some fantastic projects like St George’s Park in Burton on Trent, St Mark’s student accommodation in Lincoln and Banbury Gateway Retail Park in Oxfordshire, but it is now time to expand and explore new projects across Greater London and the South East.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that 10 years ago I would be able to build such a successful business.
“Expanding Phoenix Brickwork with the appointment of several new team members makes me very happy. At a time when people are losing their jobs, I have been able to employ six staff.
“It is also looking likely that I will be able to take on more staff in April.”
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He said Phoenix Brickwork now operates from two offices, one in Derbyshire and one in Nottinghamshire.
It operates across the North and Midlands, providing services to key players in the construction industry.
Mr Watson said: “As a business, I have always focused on delivering a quality service to clients and I know that this ethos is shared by our new appointments.
“This targeted expansion plan is just the first element of our wider plan to develop Phoenix as a national player and our expanded team will bring our co-ordinated service in brickwork, scaffolding and drywalling to projects further south.”
Phoenix Brickworks has grown organically and by acquisition since its launch in 2010, It secured its first £1 million contract in 2015, and has expanded its range of services to include brickwork, scaffolding and drywalling services.