FOUNDER OF PRESERVATION TREATMENTS (SURREY) LIMITED
Charles Winter-Evans 1972 – 2009
“When Julie telephoned to remind me that it was 46 years ago that Rita and I decided to start Preservation Treatments Limited, I was frankly shocked. It really doesn’t seem that long ago! Although, as they say, time flies when you are enjoying yourself!
I have to say quite honestly during this time I have had very few regrets, although as you all know our business is extremely stressful, but it is also satisfying when you get it right, which most of the time we did.
We had the most wonderful, loyal, and enthusiastic colleagues, the fact that so many stayed with us for so long, and many of those who left for pastures new, eventually returned to us, tells me that we did get something right. Without people like Caryll, Julie, Paul, et al, we could not have survived in the highly competitive industry in which we worked. Keith joined me after the first year and brought with him the technical knowledge we relied upon to support our works. Together we formed a formidable partnership.
Also other colleagues who have left us for various reasons including health, among whom I remember Larry Yarrington, Joan, and Mike Simon-Norris, without whose advice and counsel I would have found it very difficult. Incredibly I have to remember that many of you were not born during these early years, that really makes me feel old.
With regard to the company, when we started it was to provide the a service with integrity, honesty and economy. It was a service that could be relied upon to offer opinions and advice that the client could rely upon as truthful. This also gave us great satisfaction when, particularly householders, found huge relief in the advice we were able to give particularly in the case of dry rot or severe dampness. I well remember a number of our surveyors telling me that one of the most important aspects of their work was in the satisfaction they got from really helping the client who when we first met them was beside themselves with worry.
Again, I think we have got it right when I was told by an Association officer that we were one of the extremely few companies who had never been taken to law. That makes me extremely proud as I always thought many other companies treated law with disdain. There are still other companies who look upon us with envy at our record with regard to the professional way we have carried on and continue to do so. The number of companies I have known who have ceased trading is just unbelievable.
Again, it was for that reason that I worked very hard to bring about the guarantee protection scheme (GPI) when so many were going under and leaving clients at a loss. Hopefully that is in the past.
I have a feeling this missive has gone on longer than Julie wanted so I’ll stop now, and simply say Thank You to all of you for your loyalty and very hard work you have given to the company and I think to me personally.”
