Client spotlight: Naylor Industries
In our latest client spotlight, we chatted to Damon Harvie, managing director group operations at Naylor Industries, asking him 10 key questions about what it’s like working with MPG…
Here, he shares insight into what his company does, the projects with MPG, and the best thing about working in the construction industry – along with the greatest challenges.
1) Describe your business and what it does in one paragraph:
Naylor Industries is a manufacturer of construction materials – including clay pipes, plastic drainage systems, plastic ducting, and concrete and environmental products. Our link to the industry is that we need minerals to make our clay-pipe-manufacturing process possible.
We have over 130 years of expertise, and while we have sites in South and West Yorkshire, Fife and the West Midlands, we export our products across the globe.
2) When did you start working with MPG?
We first started our relationship in 2019, when we needed their help with multiple quarry restoration projects.
3) Why did you reach out to the team?
Due to poor performance and a lack of customer attention from a previous supplier, we found ourselves in a situation where we had three quarries that were in need of serious restoration.
This, along with a number of health and safety and Environment Agency issues to sort out, meant we needed to find an environmental consultancy partner who not only knew its stuff, but who really cared about its clients and their sites.
4) And how did the firm help you with your project(s)?
MPG helped manage the end-to-end process of the quarry restoration and was thorough and knowledgeable about our needs and requirements. This meant the team was dealing with the complex and long-winded processes with the local councils and Environment Agency, as well as handling all the legal aspects, to help us get the results we wanted.
As a result, we went from having two troublesome quarries to solving all their legal and environment issues, and eventually selling them.
5) Why did you choose MPG as your environmental consultancy partner of choice?
The MPG team came recommended by one of our suppliers, so we knew of the firm’s work prior to starting our relationship.
5) Describe what it’s like working with MPG in three words:
Efficient, thorough, and pleasurable.
I know this is expanding on the three words, but it really is so easy working with the team. Their professionalism, tenacity, and knowledge of the sector really give you peace of mind that your site is in safe hands. You also only pay for what you’re having done – there aren’t hidden add-ons that make costs spiral out of control.
I’d also like to add that the consultancy gives well-thought-out and realistic timescales for our projects – and sticks to them. It’s a breath of fresh air – we get a monthly review, and communications are spot on, it’s clear MPG really cares about our business and aims.
6) What is one of the biggest challenges operating as an MD within the construction industry?
Timescales and complexity.
If you’re restoring a quarry or seeking further planning permission, you need to make sure you’re thinking three to five years ahead, as it takes a long time to get a project approved and completed. You need a strategy not just to process that permission but one which also covers winning the minerals to keep your factory going, while obtaining planning permission for the next project.
7) And what is the best thing about working in the construction industry?
It’s challenging.
You’re dealing with a product that isn’t stable. Essentially, it’s different types of minerals mixed together – including blue and brown shale and fire clay – that you’re combining and heating up in a kiln to make pipes. The minerals won can change from one day to the next, so you have to be flexible and agile to adjust your processes.
8) When it comes to your organisation, why do clients choose Naylor Industries over your competitors?
I believe it’s our personal approach and quality performance.
Unlike many of our competition, we’re a family-owned business – not big players – and this means we offer a highly personal service. Not only do we also have an extremely high-quality product, but for us, going the extra mile for our customers is in our DNA.
9) What advice would you give for businesses looking to appoint an environmental consultancy partner?
To understand exactly what your business needs are first. While none of us are environmental, planning, and quarry experts, we should know our objectives and be able to communicate them to our environmental consultancy partner.
MPG listened to our challenges and came up with a proposal to address these – this really helped to cement our trust in the team and prove that they all really knew their stuff.
Additionally, look for a partner that is truly supportive. Whenever we’ve needed any help – even if it’s been outside MPG’s remit – they’ve been on hand to help, and that’s what takes a good relationship to a great one.
10) Does your company have any exciting plans in the pipeline over the next 12 months?
As a business, we’ve grown from a £50m to a £70m turnover organisation in three years, so hopefully, the next 12 months will build upon this and involve even further growth.
If you’re a past or existing MPG client and you’d like to take part in our client spotlight, contact our PR representative, Amy Lloyd – via amy@scribapr.com – and she will be in touch.