Family firm 'weathers' economic storm (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Family firm 'weathers' economic storm

7:00am Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Local

A FAMILY-run Kidderminster firm has managed to “weather” the economic “storm” and expand following a five-figure investment.

Solid Surfacing Company, on Spennells Industrial Estate, has completed a £10,000 refurbishment of its showroom and workshop in a bid to help boost the Wyre Forest jobs market.

The firm, which specialises in kitchen work surfaces and bathroom interiors, was launched in 1997 by local businessman Bill Reid and his wife Jill.

Their son John, 26 and daughter Alex, 23 are also part of the family firm’s sales team, which now employs 16 people.

Mr Reid said: “To be approaching our 20th anniversary in such great shape is really exciting for us.

“Over the years we have worked hard to build a reputation for being able to design, supply and install a whole host of products and surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms.

“That has helped us to grow the business and importantly we now have our son and daughter onboard helping to drive us forward with new ideas.

The firm also manufactures and fits washroom interiors and toilet cubicles for the UK’s retail and education sectors.

Mr Reid said it would allow them to offer more skilled jobs and boost the local economy by attracting more people into Kidderminster.

“It’s no secret that many local firms have struggled in what remains a difficult financial climate but we’ve managed to weather the storm by doing things differently,” he added.