Steve Davis - Rutland Building

In this unpredictable economic climate, a Croydon building company is proving that the industry can survive a recession with steely determination and with the help of business support from the Croydon Enterprise programme.

Although the current recession has had a clear effect on the construction industry as a whole with a considerable decline in house building, Rutland Building Ltd  is showing there is still opportunity for a business with a positive approach to emerge stronger and ready to profit from whatever comes their way.

Rutland's owner Steve Davis left a comfortable desk job with the Forensics Directorate of the Metropolitan Police to set up his own business over two years ago and returned to his first love of the building industry. He hasn't looked back since making this momentous decision and he maintains it is the very ethos of his business that he believes has seen him survive relatively unscathed from the recession.

He says "I believe it is vital to make the customer feel valued and to provide a quality service for a realistic price. We work very hard at Rutland Building Ltd to 'go the extra mile' and to make a project something to be proud of. Although the recession created a very quiet end to 2008, things have been steadily improving throughout 2009, as clients feel confident to spend again and decide to renovate their homes, rather than move house."

Proving Steve's business plan was well placed to tackle the vagaries of the recession, he ensures he keeps his pricing in check, even when material costs continue to rise and maintains strong relationships with his customer base.

He says "The saying 'cash flow is king' is so true and absolutely critical to manage properly. When I set up my business, I attended the Croydon Enterprise workshops where I received great advice on these types of crucial issues, as well as with marketing ideas which I have already implemented. Business is tough enough without a recession, but Croydon Enterprise has given me confidence in knowing there is a team of professionals who offer me support. Being able to call on them during this recession has definitely helped me to run my business more efficiently."

With additional building subcontractors obtained from the programme's Building Enterprise Centre in New Addington joining Steve's team, Steve says he has guaranteed continual work and a packed schedule for the foreseeable future. Ever mindful of his customer, he uses tax advantages where applicable and has recently completed a large attic renovation that included high specification insulation - all completed at just 5% VAT because the insulation levels of the house were being improved.

In addition, they are soon to start on an extension to a property for a disabled client which is completely VAT free as the work is to solely aid the client's disability. Steve is justifiably proud of Rutland Building's solid reputation, describing his business as a customer focused, forward thinking building company that is constantly delivering to a high standard and says he has no regrets at starting his own business "Running a building company is hard work and not without complications and a few sleepless nights, but I wouldn't give it up for anything as the satisfaction of a happy customer is just brilliant."

Rutland Building's support from this programme forms part of Croydon's Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to help individuals and businesses survive the recession, with the Croydon Economic Development Company (CEDC) leading on the activity. More information on the plan can be found on www.croydoncrunch.com.

If you would like to know more about the Croydon Enterprise programme, call the Business Support Hotline on 0208 680 6161 or visit www.croydonenterprise.com.