Arkoni Limited
Established 19 years ago, Arkoni is a metalworking specialist based in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. Specialising in fire-rated glazing systems, including steel and timber framed windows, doors, curtain-walling and internal screens, the company is now looking to work alongside Hull Esteem Consortium on the Hull BSF programme.
Offering supply-only or supply and installation services for architectural metalwork, balustrading and steel staircases, as well as both aluminium-pressed and bespoke metalwork, Arkoni has a history of trading with major main contractors, and has a developing reputation in the construction industry.
Adrian Blaydon, sales representative at Arkoni, said: "There is a great need, especially in this current economic climate, for us to raise our company profile, particularly with main contractors. Working with the Esteem Group would enable us to make new contacts, as well as boosting our reputation, allowing us to secure new business.
"I have no doubt that Arkoni can gain a reputation for being pleasant to deal with, and also logistically very slick. We do not believe in telling people what they want to hear, instead we believe in giving realistic information that can be relied upon.
"Our size as a company is big enough to command excellent buying power from our suppliers, while at the same time small enough to be adaptable in delivering our services.
"We are currently on site with Willmott Dixon at Passmore School in Essex, installing all their internal fire-rated doors and screens. We have recently completed a £300,000 contract with Vinci Construction for the internal fire-rated screens and doors at Aquinas College, Stockport.
"It is, of course, a difficult time in the construction industry at the moment, and we can only justify any possible apprenticeships and recruitment if the amount of work allows it. However, if we establish ourselves as the main fire-rated/architectural installer for Hull Esteem Consortium, we are very likely to require additional logistical and on-site staff.
"We also have a regular relationship with KITS Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeships in Brighouse. We currently employ someone who is in his tenth year with Arkoni, who began as an apprentice, and we are currently in negotiation with KITS about taking on a new apprentice.
"The long-term effects would be better profits and, most importantly, being involved with the Hull BSF programme would be a springboard on which we can develop relationships with major main contractors."