Success stories
An off the wall story
Wednesday 3rd December
A Burnley dry stone walling business is laying the foundations to a successful future, after getting a helping hand from No Limits Constructing The Future (CTF), part of Elevate.
In 2004 Gary Howell started working part-time on his dry stone walling business, until earlier this year when he found a rise in demand which prompted him to focus all his efforts on the business and work full-time.
After hearing about the advice and support No Limits could offer, Gary decided to approach No Limits CTF which supports people to start and grow their construction businesses by providing free guidance, developing skills, and offering a unique funding programme.
Gary worked with Purves Ali, a business development manager from No Limits CTF, on ways to improve the business.
One thing that was holding Gary back was not being able to access more rural areas to carry out heritage and environmental work.
Working with Purves, they decided the most beneficial way to spend the grant would be to put money towards an off road vehicle which would mean he could access rural parts of Lancashire.
Gary said that No Limits CTF has been a “life-saver” for his business and he can’t thank them enough for their ongoing advice and support.
He said: “The vehicle has already paid for itself with the new jobs I now have access to; I would have certainly struggled without it.
“No Limits CTF is very approachable and the service I received was excellent; all at no cost. I’ve already put some of my friends in touch with them and I would certainly recommend them to others in a similar situation,” he said.
Donna Marshall from No Limits Constructing The Future said: “We are always overjoyed to hear a success story as a result of our work and are pleased that Gary’s business has significantly improved with our help.”
Gary was introduced to the dry stone walling trade 20 years ago when he helped out on a local dairy farm whilst at school. He worked as a bricklayer for a number of years until he decided he wanted to specialise in dry stone walling because of its unusual nature.
Some of Gary’s newer projects include barn conversions and feature work such as steps, sundials, rockery beds and water features.
Gary holds the Master Craftsman Certificate and is a professional member of the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA). Gary took his talent overseas where he worked as a dry stone waller for a year in Australia, where his biggest demands included stone barbecues and retainer walls.
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