Firm gathers strength from coast to coast

As everyone knows, a silver anniversary marks 25 years of activity, but one Ayrshire firm is not only celebrating but is using it as a chance to extend its business reach.

An Ayrshire family firm is celebrating a quarter century of successful business this year. And according to the directors of Clyde Coast Contracts Ltd (CCC Ltd), it is aiming, "to become just as successful with development as we have been in civil engineering".

CCC is currently progressing its own development of semi-detached housing in the Ayrshire village of Darvel. It marks a shift into new territory for the firm that since its inception has specialised as a ground-working subcontractor and has worked on a wide variety of contract with throughout Scotland.

And while the company may have started as a family business it has developed into a medium-sized contractor employing some 12 staff and 35 operatives with a turnover exceeding £5m per year.

The company's main office is based in Ayr, but regional bias does not play a part in the companies fortunes.

CCC has worked all over the country; including throughout the central belt, in Edinburgh, Stirling and all round Glasgow and the South West.

The firm is proud of its staff and appreciates the dedication many employees have shown over the years and it has recently invested heavily to further improve efficiency. For example, all valuations are now computer compiled and submitted by e-mail while the firm has its own computerised order system. It also has bespoke software for use in areas such as drainage.

Outwith the office, investment has seen the purchase of a new oscillating boom machine - a welcome addition to an already large fleet of machinery. CCC can also boast ownership of a GPS satellite level and laser levels for precise measurement requirements. A spokesman for the firm commented: "With these new technologies and our numerous years of experience we are probably the most competent 'groundworker' around.

Health and safety issues are central to CCC's work, and this is reflected in the fact that since it was established in 1979, there have been no reportable incidents.

Director Owen McLaughlin explains: "The role of our contact managers and foremen to inspect sites weekly are vital, as are their liaisons with safety consultants who make recommendations based on site audits. All of the staff is CITB trained and certified for working in confined spaces. Personal protection equipment is issued and is mandatory uniform for all direct employees and subcontractors alike. Safety and waning signs are also an on site compulsory feature.

All of the firm's health and safety is monitored and audited by safety consultants, Hodgins Smith (CDM) Ltd, on a regular basis to ensure records are kept up to date.

McLaughlin continues: "In addition to the safety consultants role we regularly provide health and safety plans, files, risk assessments, COSHH assessments and up to current practice method statements. All of the above procedures are preventative actions that CCC Ltd carry out on a regular basis to enable us to minimise risk and provide a Health and Safety conscious workplace."

CCC Ltd has an experienced team of staff and operatives working for the company with a current roster including two contracts managers, two quantity surveyors, a site engineer and five foremen in charge of drainage and groud working squads along with 16 plant operators. Owen (snr), Own (jnr), Michael, Rose and Eddie McLaughlin are all directors of the firm.

CCC track record, as previously mentioned, is in the specialised area of substructure groundwork. The work CCC carries out in this sector covers; foundations for housing and commercial projects to suit all ground conditions; sewer connections; drainage systems including manholes, septic tanks, swales and reed beds; road and footpath construction and services and utility installations. But it will tackle other challenges as well, such as those thrown up by surfaces finishes, retaining walls, road and footpath construction and piling.

As the firm's development in Darvel takes shape, it seems reasonable to assume CCC has another successful 25 years ahead of it. At least.