National commercial building company Rok's Teesside operation has grown from a turnover of £3m to £18m in only four years. The latest in our Success 2008 features discovers how the company's support for the community has become a winning formula.

THERE is a pool table in the middle of the room and an enticing bowl of fresh fruit next to it in the Teesside office of Rok, a commercial building company that styles itself as the nation's local builder.

Nearby, there is a "designer" coffee machine that gives you doublewhat- ever-you-want with any-extrayou- can-think-of, which is also for the comfort of employees, although customers are allowed to share the treat.

There are magazines about healthy eating (free to employees) and, in a few weeks' time, everyone will be getting a free health check, thanks to the organisational and networking powers of Liz Johnson, who is part of the local customer support team.

Indeed, the office atmosphere oozes so much health and vitality, it is like a spa.

People are working in a concentrated manner, but they look pleased to be at their desks in Wellington House, on the Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton.

Has no one told them we are supposed to be heading for a recession?

Why are they not hunched up over their computers, frantically punching in lists of figures and project completion dates or barking into phones?

Steve Allen, area leader, stretches his legs out under the meeting room desk and, in a relaxed way, reels off a list of activities.

However, just when you are starting to think, "It's normal here after all. Here comes the list of moneymaking projects", he starts to wax lyrical about employees organising tea parties for the elderly residents of housing trust properties, supporting Butterwick Hospice and restoring engine sheds for the miniature railway in Preston Park, Eaglescliffe.

It takes him a while to even mention the fact that his operation is a growing business, having taken on staff every month since February ...

and that last year's turnover was £18m, compared with only £3m in 2004.

The contrast between the relaxed atmosphere and the rapidly-growing turnover normally associated with working around the clock is beguiling.

But this is the way Rok does business.

People are relaxed because they have a life outside the office, as well as being comfortable within it.

Rok's objectives are to be the best employer, best in local markets and have the best financial performance - which indicates how it is a people business first.

"We believe in supporting peoples' welfare, the work-life balance,"

said Mr Allen.

"We have this 25-mile radius rule.

All employees and all building projects should come from inside it or another office - such as the one at the Metro Centre, in Gateshead - will step in.

"It means people spend their time working, or at home, not commuting.

"And we believe in open communication.

"My office is always open. We have business breakfasts every two months and we invite our people, customers, suppliers, local councillors - anyone we think has an interest in current or future projects - and we discuss what is going on and get lots of feedback.

"Our quarterly employee meetings are attended by everyone. We give them time off normal projects to attend because their views are important.

"Everyone has a personal development plan which focuses on their aims and career goals within the company."

There is certainly plenty to go at.

Rok is huge. In seven years it has grown from six offices and profits of £92m in its West Country heartland to 5,000 staff in 59 centres nationally with a turnover of £950m and climbing - partly because of new acquisitions.

Only a few months ago, Harrisons, in Malton, North Yorkshire, was taken under the Rok wing.

The Teesside office was an acquisition, having been bought from the receivers of the Ballast building company.

Mr Allen was one of 16 staff taken on by Rok and he has overseen his operation grow to more than 60 staff.

"Our biggest project to date has been the Lingfield Point Industrial Estate, in Darlington," he said.

"Rok has been there for ten years working on various projects. We've just spent a year refurbishing the national headquarters for student loans, where 600 people are going to be based.

"We are working on the new Hardwick Park Visitor Centre, in Sedgefield, for Durham County Council, which is costing over £1m, much of which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we're putting the finishing touches to the Tees Valley headquarters of the North-East Chamber of Commerce."

The Exchange Buildings refit project in Middlesbrough, a former bank now used by the chamber of commerce, is typical of the projects undertaken by Rok.

Throughout the project, more than 100 people, including sub-contractors, worked on the £1.4m refurbishment.

The interior was gutted, electrics were fitted; a heating system, all interior doors, full decorating job, and the installation of a lift to make the building more suitable for disabled access.

The old Victorian lift could not be used because the lift shaft was too expensive to make safe, so it has been kept as a decorative feature.

Rok's Teesside office is in the process of increasing its maintenance side and has several established customers relying on the company to maintain their properties.

A regional maintenance leader, Graham Shord, was also appointed recently.

Mr Allen said: "We are confident that we will soon be the first port of call for many local businesses as we get the message out there that we build and maintain."

The Anchor Housing Trust is a national customer of Rok, but it is a very personal relationship on Teesside.

Liz Johnson said: "We work on trust projects quite often, anything from big maintenance jobs to refitting a single lock to help out a resident.

"After one big job we held a tea party - we did all the food, booked an entertainer, and the project manager and the joiner put on their waiters' aprons and served the guests.

"They absolutely loved it. Word got out and now, when trust residents hear we are on our way, they don't ask when we will finish, but when's the tea party?'."

And it is not only customers who appreciate the Teesside team.

Rok's board recently awarded the Teesside office an Exemplar Business Award for hitting key performance targets every month since last November in six areas - customer satisfaction, staff retention, health and safety, completing projects on time, profit and cashflow.

In 2006, Rok commissioned a National Opinion Poll customer satisfaction survey of all its offices and Teesside was first.

They worked with the Northern Echo's Community Challenge project and have created a garden for Skerne Park Primary School, in Darlington.

Mr Allen said: "Dozens of community groups across the North- East took part in the competition to win a free upgrade for their sports clubs, youth groups or church buildings.

"I helped choose the winners and it was a really tough job.

"Leyburn Arts Centre, Carmel RC College and several community associations were on the shortlist, but we chose Skerne Park School because the pupils put a lot of thought into the details of their application."

Rok has given full support to the Construction and Build Environment diploma being offered by Ormesby Comprehensive School, Middlesbrough College, Macmillan Academy and St David's RC School/ Technology College.

Ms Johnson said: "Construction is more than bricks and mortar.

"It is a really varied career, as I have discovered, and we're really keen to show people how building projects make a big impact on the environment and local communities.

"The new diploma differs from other qualifications because it provides practical industry experience enabling young people to go to college, university or into the workplace.

"Employers have a major role to play in equipping young people with skills for the workplace and we would encourage all employers, particularly North-East Chamber of Commerce members like ourselves, to get involved in engaging young people and equipping them to be employees who will be great assets to local businesses."

Rok Teesside is a Butterwick Hospice corporate partner.

The partnership began after works supervisor Ian Dixon donated his £500 bonus from a satisfied client to the hospice.

His colleagues then went on to make over the staff dining room in their own time.

Mr Allen said: "As part of the Community Challenge, our quantity surveyor John Embleton put a decked floor down in the hospice dining room and other staff helped out with jobs they would not normally do."

Suddenly he smiled conspiratorily and inquires: "You must have noticed the pool table?"

Yes. It's unmissible.

"Everyone pays 10p a game and we give the money to local charities.

It's our way of giving something back."

Kindness seems to be the bricks and mortar of business at Rok.

2:17pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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