Family firm contiues to build a solid future in the 21 century - 08-07-2007
Family firm continues to build a solid future in the 21st century
Champagne corks are popping at Cov Builders as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The building firm was founded in the city in 1978 by husband and wife team Eric and Joyce Chapman and over the years it has gone from strength to strength. Initially, Joyce dealt with all the administration, while Eric, along with one employee carried out the building work. They started off by doing small extensions, alterations and general building work during the day, then in the evening Eric would go out and give estimates for further work. But the couples hard work and determination to succeed eventually paid off as Cov Builders gained a reputation for excellent workmanship. As the company developed, the workforce increased accordingly and in 1982 the couple’s son Darren left school and joined them. Darren is now a partner in Cov Builders along with Eric and Joyce, making the business a real family affair. In 2001, an electrical division was added to Cov Builders enabling the company to carry out all types of domestic electrical work too. The workforce has now grown to 14 employees and the company also boasts a long list of approved contractors that carry out sub-contract work on a regular basis. Cov Builders is a member of the NHBC and the NICEIC, organisations which are relevant to house building and electrical installations respectively, so customers can be confident of a high standard of workmanship. In the last five years the company has built ten new houses in Coventry and Daventry, and is now building two 3-bedroom semi-detached houses and renovating one on the same site in Walsgrave, Coventry. These houses will be available for sale later this year. Along with house building the company also undertakes a wide variety of other work ranging from adaptations for people with special needs to building extensions. Eric Chapman, who served a five year apprenticeship in plumbing and heating, says the firm prides itself on its high standards and also appreciates its loyal work force. He said: “Many of our employees have been with the company for sustained periods including Dean Henry who has been a valued member of staff for 16 years. Now based in Princethorpe, Cov Builders has built up strong relationships with other companies within the construction industry over the last 25 years. It works for Coventry City Council, Rugby Council, Orbit Housing and the Focus Regeneration Company.