Fit out hero Gerard makes fast work of on-site labour dilemma
Posted by Catherine Tidy on 31/01/2023
WHEN it comes to going the extra mile, Russell Taylor Group’s Gerard Lester has the finishing line for successful project completion never out of his sights – even if it means getting the job done himself.
Finding himself with a labour no-show for a major fit out, the business’ national business development manager put on his own hard hat and protective clothing to show how a positive “can do” attitude, no matter what the job status, is all that matters when facing vital deadlines.
Gerard explained: “A few days in to a big fit out in Castleford for a prestigious fast-food chain, we were expecting a small team to arrive on-site and shift a huge delivery of plasterboard, cladding and steel.
“We were working to a seriously tight timescale and getting the materials off the wagon and inside speedily and safely was crucial to hitting our workload targets.
“So faced with the predicament of hired labour simply not turning up when they should have done and letting us down, there was only one solution – to do it myself!”
Gerard, after getting kitted out with hard hat, overalls, hi-vis vest and safety boots, set to work with the rest of the labourers and, in desperately cold conditions, they all got the back-breaking job done so fit out deadlines wouldn’t be affected.
He said: “At a time like this, when the unpredicted happened, there was absolutely no choice other than pitching in, rolling up my sleeves and grafting when time was of the essence to get the premises’ fit out completed.
“Working together for the good of the client and our own business is what we pride ourselves on at Russell Taylor Group. Doing a great job is something we all take very seriously, operating as a team, doing the unexpected in situations like this to make sure we don’t let anyone down.”
Russell Taylor Group managing director Rob Kurton added: “Gerard’s quick response to the problem that faced him is what it truly means to go the extra mile for clients and for our own business.
“This was a particularly prestigious client he had recently secured and his actions were focused on keeping the close relationship intact. However, they are the kind of steps that would have been taken no matter how large or small the operation.
“I’m sure this client will appreciate all Gerard’s efforts – we at Russell Taylor certainly do.”