“Despite a number of challenges that face the construction sector I do feel optimistic. The construction industry clearly has a massive skilled labour shortage. It is without doubt less desirable for young people and I believe we need to do more to attract new talent.”
Each issue we reach out to our diverse supply chain and speak to members about what they do and what working with us means to them.
This time, we speak to Daniel Haley, Managing Director of GW Power
Names/Organisation/Job role:
Daniel Haley, GW Power-Safe Ltd, Managing Director
Describe your day to day role/duties at GW Power in a few words…
My responsibility is to grow and develop the business.
How long have you/GW Power worked with Hobson & Porter?
We have worked with Hobson & Porter since our incorporation in 2014, in fact they were our first client.
Project you’ve most enjoyed working on with HP and why?
We are currently working with them on the Ennerdale Leisure Centre refurbishment works, for me this is a particularly proud moment as it shows how our relationship as a trusted supplier to Hobson and Porter has grown and developed over the years.
How did your working relationship with HP begin?
I have worked with Hobson and Porter for many years, from being a site based electrician and later in the office as an estimator at another company up until being made redundant. This is when I decided to take the plunge and set up my own electrical and mechanical contractors and reached out to the contacts I had within Hobson and Porter to offer my services.
Have you brought through any apprentices or new starters to the industry this year or do you plan to?
I am personally a huge advocate for the apprenticeship scheme as this is how I began my career. We currently have seven apprentices within GW across both electrical and mechanical at varying levels.
What is the best thing for you about working on projects for Hobson & Porter?
I have developed good working relationships with the staff at Hobson and Porter over the years, making it enjoyable to work with them as we have a level of trust, communication and respect which are key to an effective working relationship. They are a family ran business which is reflected in the way they treat their supply chain.
Has working with Hobson & Porter helped GW Power develop as in a business in any way?
As our relationship has grown with Hobson and Porter over the last 5 years we have developed the business to have 28 employees with a £4 million turnover, we are just about to successfully complete a large scale project with them. They have been and remain to be one of our top five clients who have provided us with opportunities to grow the business to the next level. We pride ourselves on our work ethic, professional attitude and ability to get the job done, Hobson and Porter have provided us with chance to show that we are capable of moving up to the next level even though we are still a relatively young company within our industry.
When working, how do you take your brew?
As I am currently in the early stages of training for an Ironman which comes with a strict diet it’s no sugar with almond milk!
What are your thoughts on the future of our industry (challenges and opportunities)?
"Despite a number of challenges that face the construction sector I do feel optimistic. The construction industry clearly has a massive skilled labour shortage. It is without doubt less desirable for young people and I believe we need to do more to attract new talent.
We need to eradicate the bad reputation that construction work has of being seen as what you fall back onto if you aren’t academic. This is completely backward thinking. I also think that we need to do more as professionals and partner more rather than just having the usual contractor/subcontractor relationship.
Partnering not only mutually benefits the main and sub-contractors but also the end user client and ultimately means they will be paying less for their build. The main and subcontractors usually work together professionally driving the project to come in on time and on budget in an easy going non-contractual environment."