Justin Allitt interviews Peter Berwick from Britmet
Hi Pete, congratulations on your new position at Britmet, I know you had other offers of work, why did you decide to join Britmet?
Thank you. I did have offers but I was looking for a work/ life balance that suited me along with a business that felt the right fit. I was introduced to Chris Powell the Britmet Sales and marketing Director through an industry contact. His vision and enthusiasm for Britmet and the park home and leisure division of the business won me over. I met the directors at the factory and seeing their commitment to the customer, service and quality ticked every box for me.
What is your favourite thing you like to do at Britmet?
As you are aware I have always been one for developing relationships as they are key to good business. I love seeing the customers and being able to look after the sector I am very fond of, it makes work enjoyable. Being able to pass on my experience to new start-up businesses is also rewarding.
So it’s been pretty inspiring seeing you deal with the last 16 months, how has it been for you?
Having my cancer diagnosis (Oct 2020) hit me hard but I had to look at the positives. I was in the early stages, I have a good family and many friends. The response from everyone at times (including yourself Justin) was overwhelming. My previous employer gave me the time to recover when in remission (March 2021) and I will be forever grateful for that. With the wonderful job the NHS did, the support from all my friends and the desire to continue my gym sessions pulled me through. I am lucky and love every day, its been life-changing and I believe I am a better person having gone through it!
If you weren’t in the park industry, what would you do?
I don’t know anything else. I started life as a carpenter and still enjoy DIY so I guess I would be on the tools somewhere.
Tell me about the services Britmet offer
Britmet manufactures lightweight roofing materials at our factory in the West Midlands. We are the largest manufacturer of its type in the UK and have been supplying since 1976. In addition to producing different profiles of roofing tiles, we supply injection moulded synthetic slate tiles. We offer to assist with projects working with architects and specifiers from concept to completion. In addition to our roofing products, we offer exterior paint (stipple for park homes) and door canopies.
Which clients would you love to help?
It is always a pleasure to work with companies that are venturing out into the sector, I still get excited by new products after all these years. Having been a competitor to many over the years I am delighted larger manufacturers want my advice and assistance.
You’ve been in the industry now a long time, any words of advice to those starting out?
My advice is to choose a brand you believe in that share your values. Never take a customer for granted, continue to develop the relationship. Enjoy work you spend most of your life there! If you press the snooze button on the alarm you are probably in the wrong job!
To read our next interview with Jo Turner, from the Stoneleigh show Click here.