JT Dove is building up to double its turnover

Feb 20 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

ONE of the region’s oldest suppliers of building materials is to launch a major expansion plan which it hopes will more than double its turnover.

Newcastle-based JT Dove believes it is in prime position to protect itself from the downturn currently being experienced in parts of the construction industry and plans to grow its £34m turnover to around £70m by 2011 as well as adding 40 staff to its 200-strong workforce by the end of the year. The firm, which has traded within Newcastle for nearly 140 years, is preparing to launch a number of sister companies under the JT Dove brand which will supply building materials for specific construction sectors as a way of spreading the current downturn affecting many of the UK’s builders.

The expansion comes amid job cuts and company collapses in the sector as high house prices, the consumer spending crunch and rising interest rates hit the construction sector. Steve Robinson, managing director at JT Dove, said: “Although many construction firms that deal with one type of build could be looking at a tough couple of years, as suppliers we can be far more flexible about the areas in which we can concentrate our resources.

“Also, with new sister companies that provide materials for specific areas of the construction industry, we will be making people more aware of the many sides to the JT Dove Brand and, by doing so, are ensuring that we benefit from those areas that are experiencing growth.” Mr Robinson believes that the firm can add almost £15m to its current turnover by the end of the year following the opening of sites in Marske on Teesside and Hawick in the Borders last year and a new £750,000 flagship site in Birtley.

The firm, which now has 11 sites stretching from Southern Scotland to North Yorkshire, is also looking to move its iconic headquarters situated in the Stephenson Quarter behind Newcastle’s Central Station, an area which has been earmarked for a £250m facelift, including offices, apartments, shops and restaurants, although staying within Newcastle.