In Conversation with Phil Franks

As 2018 draws to a close Franks Portlock Technical Director, Phil Franks, reflects on the year and provides an insight into what 2019 holds for the company…

How would you summarise 2018? 

I would summarise 2018 as a year of great change and growth for Franks Portlock. Over the past year we have expanded our team and our national presence – as well as making several, well-deserved internal promotions.

We have also developed our services and now offer accredited soil analyses and hosted many of our UKATA certified asbestos awareness training sessions – both at our Sunderland HQ and onsite at customers’ premises.

In addition, we were delighted to be appointed to new frameworks such as those for Hanover Housing Association and Home Group.

What’s been your biggest business highlight this year? 

2018 has been an exciting year for Franks Portlock and there have been many highlights, one of the most prominent was winning the Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) award for our Socio-Economic Commitment to West Cumbria. We strive to provide sustainable economic and social changes in the areas in which we work, and this accolade is testament to the efforts of our team, who go the extra mile to enhance and engage with the communities in which they work.

I am proud of the work our team has undertaken to support our local communities and charities – much of which contributed to the award win. This has included supporting Grace House Short Break and Respite Centre, and working with the Little Lifers First Aid Initiative, the Energy Coast University Technical College and ongoing fundraising activities for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, West Cumbria Carers and the North Lakes Food Bank.

Is there a business lesson you’ve learnt in 2018? 

We combine our industry experience and consultancy expertise to offer all our customers a personal, flexible service. Clear and regular communication is crucial to ensuring that we fully understand our clients’ needs and that what they are requesting is in their best interests. Over the past year we have grown our team and national operations, having teams throughout the UK has further cemented my understanding of how critical effective communication is to successful delivery and relationship management, both internally and externally.

What changes do you anticipate within the industry? 

We’re still awaiting the updated HSG248 which I am confident will officially bring in a number of guidance changes and improvements, although for us, we are already working to the standards in many aspects of our business.

Looking ahead, what will 2019 bring? 

It looks to be a great year for Franks Portlock as we have a number of new frameworks in the pipeline and we are confident that we will further build on our customer base throughout the year.

To support this growth, we will also be seeking to establish more bases throughout the UK and continuing our recruitment drive to enhance our offering. We will also continue to deliver the highest quality service to our customers and further strengthen our working relationships.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers – we look forward to working with you in the new year.

For more information on our services and how we can help your business in 2019 and beyond, please contact us.