________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

the same week , my father , Pat , caught Covid and spent the following three weeks in intensive care .

“ All of a sudden , we were left without either of our founders . My father has fortunately made a full recovery , but it was particularly difficult to run the business without the input of their experience and expertise , especially considering it was during a period of mass uncertainty induced by the pandemic .

“ We then struggled with dreaded inflation elevating supply costs to unprecedented levels ,” James continues . “ Take steel , for instance , which more than doubled in price . Although the entire industry was experiencing the same difficulties , it was financially negative for us and had a knock-on impact for the rest of the business .

“ We were previously on fixed price contracts , but the fluctuation of rates made it harder to plan projects and give clients accurate quotes . We ’ d seen inflation go up by around two-to-five per cent each year , but this particular time saw prices increase by 20 per cent overnight . We managed to secure fixed prices for the duration of the job , which enabled us to give clients an idea of the cost .

“ However , this year , following the inflation , we ’ ve had our biggest turnover and one of the best years in terms of profits since the beginning of the company ,” James states . “ It ’ s great to now be in a position where we ’ ve not only navigated the crisis but come out the other side successfully with great financial results .”

The ‘ OC ’ way

The Covid-19 pandemic also caused disruption in the construction industry , particularly within

the residential market . But having worked with some of the leading main contractors and developers in the UK , Connells has

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT EXPERTS

Ron Smith Recycling is London ’ s Leading waste management provider offering a range of services for commercial & domestic customers throughout London & the surrounding areas .

Ron Smith Recycling has provided first class waste management services to Oliver Connell & Son for many year ’ s & look forward to continue building our strong working relationship .

WWW . RONSMITHRECYCLING . CO . UK

Tel : 0208 570 3424 Email : sales @ ronsmithrecycling . co . uk Ron Smith Recycling Ltd , St Albans Farm , Staines Road , Feltham , Middlesex , TW14 0HH

152