Extract taken from Professional Builder Magazine May 2007

Call to Arms

One of the most annoying attributes for anyone having some work done on their property is when the person they’ve employed keeps disappearing because they have to sort out a problem or work on another job! And it’s something Martin Proctor of One Call Services is adamant he will never do once he’s started work for a client.

Martin said “Builders aren’t really renowned for their acts of conjuring, so when one goes missing it must be hugely annoying to the customer. I’ve heard numerous stories where a customer wants to go over the plans or to see how the work is going only to find that their builder is nowhere to be seen.”

One Call Services came into being when Martin was unfortunately made redundant. Having helped family and friends on the weekends with a variety of odd jobs, Martin decided to set up the business and expand his operation to become his main source of employment.

That was 15 years ago, and since then he hasn’t looked back with the business concentrating mainly on work such as extensions, kitchens, bathrooms, wet rooms and patios in and around South East London and North Kent. With order books full, and having never advertised, it’s a great testament to Martin that all his work has come through word of mouth.

Martin has also taken on 7 apprentices over the last 8 years providing local people the chance to get the required building experience and skills. It all started when Martin joined a YTS scheme when he left school and then got a five year apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner. With a love of electronics and having also attained the relevant qualifications in plumbing, Martin was in a good position when made redundant, to provide a one stop shop for building services.

But when he started the business Martin was adamant that a number of key rules must be adhered to, such as keeping the customer informed at all times on the project including how the budget is going; only start and finish one job at a time; be available at all times so that any problems can be sorted outs straight away, listen to what the customers have to say and take that experience on to the next job. In addition he always takes his own chemical toilet and tea hut.

Having never once waned from his principles, Martin is living proof that a business can survive in today’s increasingly competitive market without having to cut corners and sticking by what he believes in. Martin said “I’ve worked on a variety of interesting jobs over the years and I always make sure I listen to what the customer has to say, good or bad, and learn from that experience. That way I’ll avoid making the same mistake again.”

How to enter the competition:

Previous Winners:

Janauary Winner - Richard Vincent, R V Carpentry & Building in Wiltshire

February Winner - Nick Fell, The Fell Partnership in Taverstock

March Winner - Jeff Goodyer, Artbuild Kent Ltd

April Winner - Malcolm Wiggins, Lichfield Deisgn & Construct Ltd in Lichfield