Business Profile: Anvil Craft
Contact: Kieran McGaughey
Business: Anvil Craft
Location: 24 Hawthorn Rd, Killyclogher
E: kieranmcgaughey@hotmail.co.uk
M: 07931803539
Can you describe your business?
Anvil Craft Engineering was established in 1999. We are a local family run business providing a wide range of products such as wrought iron gates, railings, cattle grids, security grills, clothes lines and fire escapes. We work very closely with our customers with our manufacturing team taking them from the consultation process right through to the finished product, galvanized, fitted and painted.
Why did you start your own business?
Engineering has always been in my blood and my father continues to pass on his skill and expertise in this field to me. Having worked for previous employers, I wanted to provide an opportunity for us to work side-by-side knowing we shared the same outlook on how a job should be approached and completed, and who doesn’t want to be their own boss!
What are the best things about running your own business?
Running my own business means so much. I am a believer that if a job is worth doing it is worth doing right and being my own boss allows me to do this 100 per-cent of the time with each and every customer who walks through the door. I take time to meet and talk with our customers to ensure they know exactly what they want and make sure they have considered all possible options open to them before starting work on their product and I believe this personal touch can only come when you run your own business. Job satisfaction is immense when you work for yourself -when you see your work taking pride of place in families homes you can say you put your heart and soul into that job and you can stand over your work whole-heartedly as you made it from scratch and can guarantee its credibility. Working hours that suit your family and other commitments are also great advantages for running your own business both early mornings and late nights all come in to play in order to meet the deadlines you set.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
The economy I would say is the main challenge facing our business at the present time. Gates and railings are definitely viewed as a luxury now and not something a family will just decide to buy in a heartbeat. They save for these and make sure they get what they want and we have to be in a position to provide a range of products to suit many different budgets and give our customers value for their money.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
I would say that your quality of work needs to be of a highest standard at all times. Have patience building up your clients as it will not happen overnight and there may be times you won’t have an endless supply of work needing to be done and that is when you need to use your social media and advertising wisely. Educate yourself in every area of your field so you can provide the best possible service you can. Enjoy your work because if you don’t there is no point in starting.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Worth it all.
