Shufflebottom – quality in our DNA

Quality is a word that is often over-used and sometimes mis-applied. In the competitive steel-framed buildings’ sector, Shufflebottom knows that quality is not a cosmetic label that can be stuck on in the short term. Quality is the true standard, or measure, of how we stack up against products and services of a similar kind. Quality is at the core of our business, central to who we are and what we do, and which, after almost 50 years in the construction sector, has enabled us to say with confidence that we are one of the best of the best in the sector. After half a century we are proof that our business and our buildings are constructed to stand the test of time.

Rewind to 2014, a pivotal moment in the history of Shufflebottom when the business scooped the prestigious Construction News Specialist Award. The judge stated that, “Quality runs through the veins of this business …it is clear that they live and breathe their work.”  This could not have been truer, not just for 2014 but embedded in our ethos, before and ever since.

Putting this quote in focus, it might be worth unpacking to see how this endorsement of quality both gives Shufflebottom competitive edge and importantly, benefits our customers:

Quality Control and Health & Safety Accreditations

Quality control and Health & Safety are integral to our business model at Shufflebottom. We are recognised for developing systems of best practice that help drive our industry forward. Shufflebottom gained its first CE mark two years before it became mandatory for the structural steel sector and led the way by becoming the first in Wales and one of the first in the UK to achieve this important guarantee of quality and safety.

The following accreditations give us the seal of approval:

Awards and Recognition

Over the years we have won a host of awards which sit proudly in our board room at HQ in Cross Hands. These include RoSPA Gold, a host of RIDBA awards, Training Awards and National and Local Business Awards.

Approved membership

Recently we have become an approved member of the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) and official Register of Qualified Steelwork Contractors Scheme of Buildings (RQSC). This proves our capability, capacity and competency to meet the RQSC requirements in relation to the Building Safety Act The certification also provides proof that we have the same credentials to deliver on high-value projects and we have been awarded a steel work value contract with BCSA/RQSC of up to £2,400,000. This tried and tested approval will assist our customers greatly in the minefield of the pre-qualification process.

Investment in the production process

To ensure we maintain quality and competitive edge, we make ongoing investment in our production capability, including top-of-the-range Peddinghaus integrated system machinery enabling us to combine high-performance, versatility and increased productivity, with a capacity of 1,000 tonne structural steelwork production per month, to serve all our customers’ needs.

Investment in people

We know the cost and value of quality and excellence and so we invest heavily in our design and production staff and apprenticeships. Our people are our greatest asset, those with us currently and future generations. We have recently become members of the 5% club, which helps us increase further the number, quality and range of earn & learn opportunities.

Customer focus

Ultimately, it’s all about the customer. The adage that we’re only as good as our last job is always central to each project we undertake and so we never take our eye off quality and excellence. Testament to this is the fact that over 40% of our business is repeat business, loyal customers returning to Shufflebottom time and time again for the quality that is running though our veins.

What our customers say about us is a yardstick to know that we are living up to our mission to maintain consistent quality through all aspects of our operation. The following quote was given after completion of one of the largest tonnage grain stores Shufflebottom has erected in its entire history.

“Shufflebottom has been fantastic to work with on our new grain store. The quality of the steelwork is excellent, and the team has been professional and efficient throughout.“
Jim Pace, Director, St Nicholas Court Farms

In summary, Shufflebottom is proud to put its distinctive name and branding to its finished buildings, whether they be agricultural, industrial or commercial, across the UK and beyond. We know that it is not a cosmetic label, but has quality, in all its aspects, behind it and will be there for the long term.