Now he's retiring into the boardroom and onto the golf course.
One of the most respected names in the North East building and property maintenance industry has decided to retire from the day to running of his company and begin a less hands-on role by becoming chairman.
WDL is a family-run business which has provided the region with a comprehensive building and property maintenance service for over 40 years. They specialise in conversions, extensions, alterations and repairs. Their experienced team plus reputable sub-contractors provide domestic and commercial clients with a full service ranging from bespoke design and construction, to regular maintenance and aftercare.
Their domestic building services range from bathroom and kitchen fitting, loft and garage conversions, orangeries, plumbing, and central heating installation and repair.
WDL are also experienced in commercial property work including refurbishments, renovation, shop and office re-fits, as well as regular maintenance. They are also happy to work in partnership with company site or facility managers.
In other words, when it comes to construction and property maintenance, WDL can provide a bespoke service.
And leading WDL from the front for the past 46 years has been Brian Dickinson.
“I completed a degree in building management at what is now Northumbria University, and started off organising shop fitting around the UK,” said Brian. “I eventually decided to build a local team who would be able to undertake the full range of property maintenance.
I’m proud of our reputation for developing apprentices to join the building trade. The country is desperately short of properly trained plumbers, joiners and bricklayers. We are members of the Construction Industry Training Board and constantly push for companies to take on more apprentices. One of our apprentices, Harriet Hawdon, will be fully qualified in May. We’re playing an important role in the city in getting more young women to take up an apprenticeship in construction whilst helping to overcome gender stereotyping in a traditionally male dominated industry.”
So, what of the future for Brian?
“I’ve got my son, Alexander, breathing down my neck. He’s studying for a degree in quantity surveying. We also offer a property consultation service where we help with advice for anyone looking to buy some residential or commercial property so I’ll probably lend a hand with that…may as well put 46 years of building experience to some use. For most of the time however, I’ll mix a bit of business with a lot of pleasure, continuing as company chairman but desperately trying to improve my golfing handicap which is best described as being a lot.”
Enjoy retirement Brian. You can even tempt our Managing Director Mike Grahamslaw for the odd round of golf.
You’ll beat him!
For more information on WDL, go onto their website www.wdlnortheast.co.uk or call 0191 340 9925/0191 340 2208 email info@wdlnortheast.co.uk or pop into their offices at 64 Southwood Gardens in Newcastle.
