Congratulations to North East based company, Reprotec, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
John Holmes, MD of Reprotec, said: “We at Reprotec are delighted to be celebrating our 30th birthday. We are an SME working across all industry sectors, and the success of our company is a testament to all our staff both past and present, who share our values and commitment.”
To find out more, we asked John Holmes to answer 10 questions about the success of the business.
- What does Reprotec do and when was Reprotec started?
Reprotec Group consists of our Reprotec UK specialist contracting services, an award-winning market leader in surface protection technology, specialising in resin flooring systems including visual floor management signage and H&S demarcations. Reprotec UK provides bespoke surface solutions for the repair and protection of the fabric of buildings and structures, both concrete and steel, and this includes floors; walls; roofs; tanks; bunds and other industrial vessels. Reprotec Group also includes our other company, Repair and Maintenance Suppliers, whereby we sell our products to trade and public backed by 30 years of technical support.
The business started in October 1988, and back then we were based at the Gateshead Business Centre TVTE.
- Why did you start the company?
I always had aspirations to be my own boss and working for myself rather than being told what to do.
- Where did the company name come from?
Reprotec is a combination of Rep/air and Pro/tection Tec/hnologies which seemed to sum up what we are all about. We repair and protect the fabric of buildings and structures using resin technologies.
- Who was your very first customer?
Originally, Reprotec was set up as a sales agent selling high-tech surface engineering in conjunction with my former employer, Multi Arc UK Ltd, covering both Scotland and Ireland, so our first customers were not like our present customers. However, it was this work that led us to introduce resins for engineering and maintenance repair compounds, as we saw a need in the market.
We operate nationwide across all sectors, providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ for floor and surface protection solutions.
- How has the company developed over the years?
Reprotec has always been at the forefront of development, having introduced specialist apprenticeships and other NVQ training up to NVQ Level 6 and degree level management; we have long held accreditations such as CHAS, Constructionline and Investors in People. The industry was very much in its infancy 30 years ago, and since then it has evolved into a profession, with its own trade association, Federation of Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA), of which Reprotec is a long-standing member.
- How has the company grown?
I’m delighted to say that Reprotec has expanded into becoming Reprotec Group that includes our Reprotec contracting services and our material sales company, Repair and Maintenance Suppliers Ltd that sells our products to trade and public.
- What are your company values?
Reprotec’s values have never changed in 30 years and are very much based upon my personal values of quality, honesty, integrity, respect, care, hard work and giving people an opportunity to develop personally and in their career within the industry; all our staff a fully employed and trained to a high standard.
Reprotec is committed to its environmental and sustainability ethos, having introduced our ‘Green-Theme’ approach to our contracting services; and as a fully-licenced waste carrier, Reprotec operates a policy of no dust, no fumes, 100% recycling and 100% landfill avoidance.
- What’s your proudest achievement?
Seeing Reprotec Team develop personally and professionally. This is highlighted by five of our operatives completing the first ever of our industrial sector NVQ level 2 in specialist Floor Laying back in 2005. They were part of an initial cohort of nineteen, and those guys are still employed by Reprotec today; and this was their basis for progressing further within the business.
- What does the future hold?
The foundation and ethos of Reprotec Group is very strong and the opportunities for growth are exceptional. The challenge to our Reprotec Team is getting there.
- What advice would you give to new start-up companies?
Be strong with your beliefs and values, and your systems of work. Look after your people; aim to give them the tools to achieve their very best.