NAME: Solid Surfacing Company Ltd (building is known as Worktop Centre)

PHONE: 01562 750000/07967 045759

EMAIL: jill@solidsc.co.uk

ADDRESS: Worktop Centre, Arthur Drive, Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, Kidderminster DY11 7RA

WEBSITE: www.solidsurfacingcompany.co.uk

SOCIAL Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

OPENING Hours: 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday

Who are you? We are a manufacturer of bespoke solid surfacing and compact grade laminate worktops, reception

counters, vanity units etc. We have our own factory here. We also sell laminate, quartz and solid wood from our showroom and refurbish wash rooms for the commercial market all over the UK.

When did you open and why? We have been in business over 26 years. There is a demand for bespoke solutions for

kitchens, bathrooms and commercial premises.

Tell us about your business? We are a family business, which was started in 1994. William Reid was the only family member at that time, but as the years went on his son John and daughter Alexandra joined the business, and in 2012 his wife Jill Reid also joined. All are directors. Nephew Andrew also works here as our CAD design manager.

How did you decide on the name? It tells people what we do, which is we manufacture all types of solid surface (the best known of which is corian)

Who works there? Apart from the four directors and Andrew we have an accounts manager and nine fabricators and fitters on the shop floor. We provide a template, supply and fix service so that people have complete continuity so far

as the service is concerned – the same person who templates the job in someone’s home or business will often make

the product and fit it too.

Who are your customers? The domestic market so far as our showroom is concerned. Our commercial customers are cinemas, hotels, airports, offices, dental surgeries, factories, car showrooms – anywhere where a bespoke

solution for the refurbishment of a building is needed. We have also fitted out boats and caravans if they need

something bespoke for the kitchen or bathroom area.

What is your most memorable / proudest moment in business? We were based on Spennells Trading Estate for over 20 years in rented accommodation. Last year we moved to our own building on Hoo Farm which has been completely refurbished to include a ground floor showroom so that elderly and disabled customers don’t have to climb the stairs like they did in the previous premises. We are very proud of our brand new offices, factory and showroom.

Have you had any strange/ quirky suggestions or stories from customers? As we offer a bespoke product, we have had lots of lovely memories from our customers’ requirements. People love their pets, and one lady wanted her dog’s paw prints replicated in the solid surface across her worktop. Another wanted the orange colour she was featuring elsewhere in her kitchen featured in her worktop so we incorporated some orange splashes into her worktop for her. We have also made “his and hers” worktops for one couple who each wanted a different surface for their own personal part of their kitchen. As we have a CNC machine we can also replicate any theme people ask for. For instance we once incorporated a “Wet n Wild” design into someone’s bath panel because his children had been to Disneyland.

What are your ambitions for the future? To continue to build on the excellent reputation we have built up in Kidderminster over the last 26 years by providing an excellent service for people who come to us, at the right price. Buying direct from us ensures people always get exactly what they want and they don’t pay over the top for our expertise.

  • The Shuttle has launched its Love Local Business campaign to support businesses following the lockdown. To

be featured in campaign, call 01905 742372 or email dale.godliman@localiq.co.uk.