In conversation with…Barbara Kelly, Senior Estimator

What is your name and role at C&C?

My name is Barbara Kelly, and I am Senior Estimator at C&C. I am responsible for preparing cost estimates  for small and large projects, forecasting the cost of material; labour; etc needed to complete a job. This means I can be doing anything from sales; going to visit clients, host client visits at our office in Ferrybridge, preparing a proposal for a customer, or helping our marketing team.

I get to do a bit of everything!

How long have you worked at C&C?

I’ve worked here for about 19 months, which isn’t long at all.

It was a bit of an adjustment as I emigrated from South Africa and this was my first job in the UK, and it’s been a challenge to work in a slightly different steel industry than what I was used to back in South Africa.

In South Africa I was in the manufacturing industry, whereas here in the UK my industry is fabrications focused, but I really enjoy my role.

How did you get into the industry?

I worked in the travel industry for seven years, which might surprise people!

When 9/11 happened and the resulting changes made to the industry, I panicked and found myself questioning my role in the travel industry, so I switched careers to work I the steel industry.

I was very fortunate that my Dad owned a steel manufacturing company in South Africa, but he made me formally apply and work my way up from the bottom which was possibly the best thing he could have done. I worked my way up for nearly 25 years, ending up as a co-owner of the company so I became familiar with every element of the business. It was a complete switch, but I love the industry.

In your own words, what is C&C Fabrications?

We offer an all-round, end-to-end service from our facility in Ferrybridge. I love that it’s a one-stop shop, so our customers come to us with their ideas (and sometimes formal drawings) and ask us for help coming up with the best solution. We have a really collaborative process which I think sets us apart from other companies in the industry.

As a team, we put the costs together. Our drawing department collaborates with our laser cutting team to make sure everything will work cohesively within the proposal, before it goes to the fabrication team (who can work with mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, cor-ten) and they can then fabricate, and powder coat the product. We can even offer an install service if our customer needs it.

It’s a big compliment to us that we have our own powder coating bay as many companies don’t, so the client hasn’t got the headache of working with external powder coaters, bringing logistics challenges for transporting the fabricated parts to a powder coating provider then to their factory, so it can be a nightmare.

With us, you get the completed product at the end of the process, so customers can have peace of mind.

What does C&C mean to you?

I’m very grateful that C&C gave me a chance for my first job in the UK. It was a bit of a challenge because I’ve had to learn each element of our process, but there’s so many parts of the job that’s exciting and I’m excited about where we’re going in the future.

So, for me C&C is all about growth and gaining knowledge, I really do believe that knowledge is power.

Why do you think C&C have been so successful?

I’m not sure of the history of steel fabrication in the UK, after not being here for very long! But I think the family feel that we have at C&C is critical to its success.

Chris (Chris Wallage, Managing Director of C&C) has been in the business for a very long time, and he has an incredible amount of knowledge, which he’s always sharing with us.

We also try and give the client exactly what they need, especially when we commit to lead times, and move with the changes and not be set in our ways. We’re adaptable with our working practices, to suit the needs of our clients and make sure we don’t become stagnant within the industry.

Why do customers choose to work with C&C?

I believe our product is outstanding, when it leaves our site, we feel very proud of it.

I always feel very proud of the work we do, especially when I see our products waiting to be packaged up before they get sent to our customers.

Our pricing is competitive and paired with our outstanding product this is a big draw for our customers. Lead times which suit the clients is also essential. Depending on capacity, we always strive to turn around the work within the time they need.

We also make sure to give customers a good service in every aspect, whether its price, lead time, and (ultimately) the product. Customer service makes a world of difference.

In an automated world, people make the difference, the relationship with the person is what so many companies are lacking and I think we give that element to our customers.

The team making things better for businesses

If C&C sound like the steel fabricators your business needs, contact the team today for a free quote and to find out how they can support your next steel project.