Michael Thorne to Build on Beacon Status
One of the South West construction industry's most dynamic and fastest-growing businesses has been recognised for the contribution it has made to sector.
Michael Thorne Construction was established in 1969 to erect buildings for the agricultural and equestrian sectors, and 38 years later, the business continues to go from strength to strength.
The company, which is headquartered at Clyst St Mary near Exeter, is the region's only full-service construction company, offering everything from the provision of detailers to steel fabrication and concrete works.
Michael Thorne Construction currently turns over in excess of £30m, and is growing at a rate of 40 per cent per annum. It has been involved in a range of high-profile projects of late, including the £200m Princesshay Shopping Centre, which recently opened its doors to the public in Exeter.
Michael Thorne Construction is the 201st company to be awarded Beacon status. It joins an eclectic and powerful cluster of businesses with the coveted award, spanning breweries, manufacturers, leisure operators and architects. Other Beacon companies in Devon include Burts Potato Chips, Concorde Copiers, GroBag, Pasta King and Woodbury Park Hotel.
Beacon South West is a South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) initiative which brings together the region's most forward-thinking companies to cultivate excellence among businesses in the region.
Although Michael Thorne has 'retired' from the business (his other great passion is his 40-strong collection of tractors, most of which he has restored), he still remains very much hands-on. Now in his sixties, he regularly drops what he is doing to chip in if the company is a man short.
The company takes particular pride in the loyalty of its long-serving staff of over 130, many of whom have worked their way up through the business. Managing director Rob Holland, for instance, started as a foreman while sales director Graham Easton's career with Michael Thorne Construction began with a Saturday job at the age of 14.
The business has attracted similar levels of affection among its customer base. Around 40 per cent of the current business comes from repeat sources, with a company of the stature of Gregory Distribution, the South West's largest distribution company, among the list of long-standing clients.
Commenting on the firm's new Beacon status, Dee Pocock of Michael Thorne Construction says: "I am looking forward to meeting on a regular basis with other regional business leaders to discuss the commercial issues of the day. Although we have been trading for close to 40 years we can still learn a lot and being part of Beacon South West will help us develop and improve."
Although the company is enjoying record levels of growth, it is taking nothing for granted. It has recently diversified, creating a Concrete Division and a Small Works Division. It is also looking for a new site to house all of its operations under one roof.
Dee Pocock added: "One thing the business rarely does is work outside of the region. Our biggest asset is our workforce and we believe it is important that our staff have a good work/life balance. While we do travel on occasions, our focus is firmly on the South West which maximises the quality of service we can provide particularly through client contact and strong communications. We are fortunate that the quality of the work means we rarely, if ever, have to chase for new business."
Adds Sue Baker, director of Beacon South West: "Michael Thorne Construction has been a role model for other construction firms in the region for many years. The way in which it operates its business, and the respect it shows its customers and staff alike, makes it a great addition to the Beacon network."
