We spoke to Ryedale Interiors managing director Roger Hannon on what defines his way of doing business and what, looking back he would do differently.
What do you currently do?
I am the Managing Director/Owner of Ryedale Interiors Ltd – an award winning manufacturer and installer of high-quality, bespoke glass reinforced gypsum (GRG) and fibrous plasterwork. We’re a specialist sub-contracting business based in Leeds, which means we design, manufacture and install GRG & Fibrous Plasterwork for larger construction firms within the main construction industry.
For over 25 years, we have been a trusted supplier to some of the country’s most prestigious construction companies including Vinci Construction UK, Sir Robert McAlpine Construction Ltd and Wates Construction, supporting the restoration, redevelopment and design of a variety of visually stunning projects across the retail, commercial property and leisure sectors. Some of our most recent projects include The Majestic, Leeds and Barton Square, at the Intu Trafford Centre Manchester.
My role within the business is not only to take care of the day to day running of the business including sales, estimating, project management, quantity surveying etc, but also to ensure that every member of the team feels inspired, motivated and valued. I am proud to have a small but perfectly formed management team of extremely capable and motivated people helping to deliver our projects.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
I first started out as a draughtsman, but over the years I worked my way up through the construction industry, becoming an estimator/project manager for a ceiling contractor, and then working for a leading specialist Fibrous Plasterwork contractor in the north.
After around 17 years of feeling like I had more to give to the industry and those who worked within it, I felt it was time to launch a business with values and aims that aligned to mine. So, in 1998, I set up Ryedale Interiors with a like-minded colleague.
What defines your way of doing business?
Quality first, every time. We do exactly what it says on the tin and nothing less. We have never compromised on quality as this is what creates trust. It’s important to recognise that every business makes the odd mistake, but it’s how you deal with them that matters. Accept that the customer is a priority and promptly solve any mistakes; this maintains the client’s trust.
Another major influence on how we work is the value we see in our team. We recognise that without each and every member of the team, we wouldn’t be able to carry out the visually stunning projects that we do.
What do you admire?
The biggest thing I admire is seeing talented people working in the positions that they deserve. It’s upsetting when those in senior positions take all the credit for the work carried out by those in junior positions. For a business to really thrive, they need a great sense of teamwork and value for each other.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I’m proud of my journey, but I do wish I would have entered the business earlier and grown it steadily over a longer period of time. Quality is something we stand out on in the industry and we could have helped many of those construction companies who sadly experienced poor-quality work, if we had founded earlier.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
First and foremost, look after your staff and they will remain loyal. Second, never compromise on quality and keep an eye on the market rates.
