Steel specialist Toby Hill-Cousins finds strength through collaboration
A STEEL specialist who prides himself on offering affordable rates to meet tight budgets has big plans to grow the business from his base at the A&T’s IncuHive New Milton.
Solent Steel Structures was founded by Toby Hill-Cousins in January this year. As part of his collaborative approach, Toby hopes to give clients financial guidance to ensure construction projects get off the ground.
Having previously worked as a construction manager for one of the biggest steel contractors in the UK, Toby has worked on many large-scale projects, including the new terminal roof at London Waterloo train station.
“I’ve worked in construction for the last ten years,” he said. “I was a commercial manager, a project manager and worked in estimating, so I have experience in all parts of the business. This means I can oversee aspects from the companies’ financials and on-site co-ordination, for example.”
Toby said his aim for the company is to work as openly as possible with clients.
“I will use my experience in the field to work with them enthusiastically and collaboratively at a reasonable cost,” he said.
“I want to work with individuals and companies within their budget and deliver what they want to achieve by working a lot more openly than other companies would.
“Rather than putting in a lump sum price, what we can do is work on a cost-plus basis and give clients an open fee for what we do to push the job along, whilst also letting them get fully involved.”
Toby originally had ambitions for the business to go national, but after identifying a lot of trade in the area he decided to focus on Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.
“I’m keen to grow the business to be the first port of call for steel frame buildings in the south,” he said. “Our streamlined, co-operative and professional approach will set the business apart from others.
“There are many local developments and schemes on the horizon, so it’s a great time to get involved with the local economy.”
Toby said IncuHive New Milton in Compton Road, a new facility which aims to create jobs and support entrepreneurs, has been a great asset to the development of Solent Steel Structures due to its location and services.
The space includes desk space for multiple firms, a range of services and facilities, and is kitted out with hi-tech equipment.
“It is brilliant because there are people here who you can bounce around ideas with,” he said. “This is ideal for a small business.
“People like graphic designer Jack Lawrence of Tails Creative, who is also based in IncuHive, are a great help. We’ve looked at different ideas for branding, logos and design to grow my business - all in-house.”
The current outlook for Solent Steel Structures is looking extremely strong for the business, with details of a large local project to be announced very soon.
