Firm set for record turnover despite the economic gloom

Feb 13 2008 by Alistair Houghton, Liverpool Daily Post

Linford says he is particularly proud Nobles was named preferred bidder on the new £4.5m school project – details of which are still being kept under wraps – as the scheme was advertised across Europe and the company, the smallest to tender, had to beat off the challenge of many larger firms.

“It’s a real pat on the back for us, and we tend not to pat ourselves on the back enough,” he said.

“Two years ago, we wouldn’t have been considered for such a scheme. It’s a testimony to how far we’ve come in that time.”

In Linford’s time as director, Nobles has focused on forging strong links with the business, education, leisure and healthcare sectors.

It has also won many public sector contracts – an approach Linford says is vital to ensure the company is insulated from the effects the credit crunch and global market slowdown are having on commercial developers.

“Two years ago, our turnover was £8m,” he said. “This year, potentially, it could be £20m.

“But it’s not about turnover. It’s about working for the right client.

“We’ve seen too many contractors go to the wall in the Liverpool area over the last ten years. It’s important that we try to make ourselves as recession-proof as possible.

“We do as much public work as we can so we’re robust enough to take the squeeze.”

After studying at Wolverhampton Polytechnic in the early 1980s, Linford’s first job in construction was with Tarmac where he worked on the rebuilding and transformation of the Albert Dock.

He worked his way up through the industry in Merseyside, including a five-year spell at Liverpool firm Tysons, before joining Bluestone seven years ago as regional director in Salford Quays.

While at Tysons, Linford met several people who today work at Nobles – and so he jumped at the chance to return to Liverpool two years ago and join the company’s board.

Linford is proud Nobles employs local skilled workers rather than relying on outside sub-contractors, and is also keen that his firm continues to recruit apprentices and bring new blood into the industry, which is suffering a well-publicised skills shortage.

Nobles may not be one of the construction industry’s big boys – but while Linford is happy for it to stay that way, he is determined that his company’s reputation for quality will allow it to compete with any building giants bidding for contracts in the North West.

He said: “We don’t want to be a Balfour Beatty or a Laing O’Rourke, but we do want to be recognised as a medium-sized contractor in Merseyside who delivers.

“It’s all about delivery in this game.

“If we’re turning over £25m in five years’ time, and three- quarters of our business is coming from clients who’ve used us before, then we’re doing something right.”

alistairhoughton@dailypost.co.uk

Q&A

Age: 43

Lives: In Aigburth with his partner and three children.

Highest educational qualification: HND in construction studies at Wolverhampton Polytechnic.

Biggest ambition: At 26, I was made project manager of a multi million-pound project that was behind programme and made responsible for a team of senior managers. It was delivered on time and, having been thrown in at the deep end, I learned a massive amount.

Biggest regret: Never playing for Everton.

Ambition in business: To continue to grow Nobles steadily, with co-directors John Watson and Peter Scarisbrick, as a well-respected regional contractor with a reputation for consistent delivery – and to continue to make Nobles an enjoyable place to work that attracts the best people.