Small IS Beautiful…and ethical, customer-pleasing, profitable and satisfying, too

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Small IS Beautiful…and ethical, customer-pleasing, profitable and satisfying, too

The Douthwaite family relocated to Fearnan from Blackburn in Lancashire back in 1978. Following four years of semi retirement in the B&B industry, Alan resumed his building activities, in a modest way, by tackling house extensions and contract work with several new-build projects.

In the late 1980s his ‘fuse was properly lit’ when he undertook a number of prestige restorations of properties in a development at Lawers.

Son Glenn, a 7 year old wippersnapper in ’78, grew with - and into - the business during the ensuing years. Labouring weekends and school holidays to help the growing enterprise, he took in all aspects of the theory and practice of building and vernacular restoration at his dad’s side. He could scarcely wait to quit school at 15 and get to college to secure his trade certificates.
At 21 he became a full partner in the business with his parents. His role in the operation covers day-to-day on site management and sales.

In 1994 the family also founded AKG Homes and set about establishing a reputation for construction excellence in developing individual, bespoke dwellings.

“We tend to complete one house at a time, from founds to fitting out. Over the years we have surrounded ourselves with a team of high quality and respected sub contractors. We keep them sweet, they work with us repeatedly and the client gets an exceptional product with no corners cut,” explained Alan, who is the team co-ordinator and has responsibility for land purchase.

No Snagging

Kath, who manages all the administration for the company, told Comment: “There’s no mystery to the success of AKG. We remain focused on the customer, use the best possible materials in each build project and we complete on schedule.”

Highland Perthshire is now speckled with examples of the company’s handiwork. “By the approach that we adopt, both our efficiency and our reputation are increased. Our goal each time is ‘no snagging’. With the high customer satisfaction that this brings, we can then give our full attention to the following project, and our previous customers become our best marketing references,” said Glenn.

Recently completing at East Haugh, AKG is currently on site at Coshieville (see picture above) and will tackle its next project in nearby Garth. Contact 01887 830435; click to: www.akghomes.co.uk