Celebrating 10 years in business, Shepherd Contracting is a leading general contractor with a reputation for delivery quality workmanship with a dynamic, energetic and responsible approach.
Recalling the company’s genesis, managing director Christopher Shepherd says: “Starting a construction company in a recession means you must take whatever work you can to build relationships with architects and designers, and that’s what we did. The first year or two is about building relationships.”
Based in Greystones, the business has come a long way since then and offers a comprehensive range of construction services with exceptional standards. It uses only the highest skilled tradespeople and quality materials to deliver outstanding results on each and every project. From concept to completion, Shepherd Contracting is with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.
Not only has Shepherd Contracting earned an enviable reputation for building high-end bespoke one-off homes, it has also made a name for itself in the commercial sector and is hoping to expand into other areas in the near future.
Whether your next project is a new build, extension or renovation, Shepherd Contracting’s one-stop shop approach will ensure that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The contractor’s reputation for quality construction, attention to detail, value-for-money and ability to complete projects on time and within the agreed budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from satisfied clients.
“Our aim is to provide a complete building service,” Christopher explains.
“We’re currently active in the residential and commercial sectors, but have ambitions to do more residential schemes and public sector projects. While we’re noted for our high-end residential new builds, we also specialise in house, apartment and hotel renovations, extensions and office fitouts. We have a growing customer-base in the greater Dublin area and also in north Wexford.
“We’ve grown to employ 10 staff who are a mix of foremen, carpenters, plasterers and skilled labourers. By employing carefully selected sub-contractors and tradespeople, working closely with leading architects and engineers, and using only the very best building products, we’re able to deliver the highest quality construction to our clients.”
One of Shepherd Contracting’s recent projects was the refurbishment of the 50-bed Pembroke Townhouse in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The CIRI and CIF member has also completed a number of interior fitouts, including for Just Eat at their Dublin headquarters. Apartment renovations and shop fitouts are another speciality.
In tandem with dramatic changes in the Irish construction industry, Shepherd Contracting has a modern approach, in tune with current demands and practices. Christopher and his team embrace innovation by adopting new initiatives and modern methods of construction, and continuously aim to improve through monitoring and measuring their performance.
Projects are responsibly managed with energy and dynamism incorporating best building practices, superior workmanship and regimental implementation of Health & Safety procedures. Shepherd Contracting works together with its clients, professional teams and supply chain of sub-contractors in a spirit of partnership to develop innovative and value-adding solutions for its clients.
From the initial tendering procedure through to implementation of the design, the contractor employs the highest of industry standards. Its management approach is thorough, well planned and efficient. And in-depth understanding of traditional and current building practices is underpinned by a systematic comprehensive approach, creating efficiencies and well-run sites.
“We are fully committed to working in partnership with our clients and their professional teams to achieve optimal construction solutions,” Christopher continues.
“Our successful project delivery is achieved by providing a balance of managerial and technical knowledge while building relationships through a culture of innovation, cooperation and partnership along with an absolute emphasis on Health & Safety. We are Safe-T-Cert accredited.”
As more sophisticated building practices filter from large-scale projects into smaller builds, the experience gained from project managing a number of large, cutting edge projects means the design team can be assured on intelligent implementation of the design.
“We want our clients to enjoy an exceptional customer experience,” Christopher continues.
“We strive to make the construction process as straightforward as possible. We aim for all projects to be delivered safely, on time and on budget to the complete satisfaction of our clients. We guide our customers through the entire process from pre-construction through to life-time maintenance, and provide them with confidence and certainty that their projects have the commitment and attention they demand.”
Christopher, whose wife Deirdre is also a company director, has a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry. A graduate of the School of Engineering in Bolton Street College, Dublin, he initially worked for G&T Crampton before joining Cleary Doyle Construction as a contracts manager. Christopher worked for the Wexford-based company for 10 years, during which he was the contracts manager on the highly-prestigious Wexford Opera House project, before deciding to set up his own business.
The Greystones man’s practical experience has been backed up by further education and continuing professional development, including a Higher Diploma in Project Management from Trinity College Dublin, a BSC in Environmental Engineering as well as supplementary training in aspects of construction management and Health & Safety.
As his company continues to go from strength to strength, Christopher would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers and suppliers for their continued support, and his staff for their skill, hard work and dedication.
“We have good staff retention as we understand how difficult it is to find good staff. We invest in their training and basically look after them well so that they stay with us. They understand what we are trying to achieve with quality and want to be a part of that,” he concludes.
Here’s to the next 10 years of Shepherd Contracting!
Shepherd Contracting
Greystones,
Co. Wicklow.
Telephone: 087 2514729
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.shepherd.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, April, Vol 7 No 4
