21st Apr 2021
Following an uncertain but busy year, The Slatter Group continues to expand, continually investing in our people and technology. We’ve been catching up with some of our newest recruits to welcome them to the team whilst getting an insight into their new roles and past experience.
Chris Hutton joined our busy sales and estimating team in late March, bringing with him a varied background in the sports sector.
The first few weeks have been great, all the team have been very welcoming and happy to help with any questions. The first few weeks have been set to give myself and Andy (our other new estimator) a detailed induction and introduction to the company.
I started working as a Golf greenkeeper when I finished school at 16, working my way up to course manager while studying in Horticulture and mechanics. I decided to leave greenkeeping after 12 years in 2010 to work in contracts management. Five years ago I made the move from a contracts managing role to estimator.
My new role as estimator is within the sales team. My role requires me to price the works for our projects, which requires a good level of accuracy and attention to detail to ensure what we price is deliverable.
I am still relatively new to the sports construction industry, but I would say that the difficulties the industry is currently facing is the same as the broader construction industry. Covid has meant that budgets have become tighter and competition to win projects have become stronger.
Remote working is the biggest change and way we have needed to adapt. The team on the ground have had to ensure that new and changing Health & Safety processes are always up to date and successfully implemented.
Budgets. Covid has meant there is a little less money available to spend on projects. Many supplies items have also increased meaning that budgets do not go as far as they once did.
Finding ways to give the customer what they want for the right money. This means that many projects need to have a level of creative thinking and problem solving.
The attraction was the company being market-leading in the industry and a family run company. From my background in sports turf and my love for all things sport it is great to see so many sporting facilities being developed!
From what I have seen over the past few weeks, the advice and support that a company like S&C Slatter gives is second to none. It is a big investment, and the team are happy to give their advice and guide customers to make the best decisions for their project based on their needs.
I have three boys who are all very active – much of the weekend is spent watching them from the side-lines on football and rugby pitches! When I get some free time to myself it is spent on the golf course.
Thanks so much to Chris for taking the time to do this Q&A with us – welcome to the team!
Our estimators are on hand to give you the best possible understanding of what’s possible on site, and at what projected cost.
If you’re considering a sports construction project and want to ensure maximum quality with minimal risk, get in touch with Chris and the team on 01635 345 21 or email info@sandcslatter.com.
