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How long have you been a customer of Covers?
I have been a customer of Covers for over 51 years now. I like

to think I am their longest-serving customer, but I wouldn't be

surprised if there is someone else who has been dealing with

the company for a longer period.
 

How did you get into this industry and start using Covers?

I officially started working with Covers on May 15th, 1971, where I began working with John Worman Ltd, starting as an assisted Buyer who was a local building contractor in Midhurst, and that's where I met my wife Vendy.

 

Although, I did have dealings with 4 years prior when I worked with Easton Sweetland as an apprenticeship joiner, and I helped unload the Covers trucks when they came to deliver the timber.

The sales reps at the time, Sam Weller and John Pavey were frequent visitors to the business, and I got to know them well, which helped me begin my long-term relationship with Covers.

 

What is your current form of employment, and what position do you hold?

I am the Owner/Director of my own company - Stuart A Treagust Ltd. and have for many years been a customer of Covers
 

Having been a customer for many years, you must have some fond memories. Any, in particular, you wish to share?
I don't have one particular memory to share, but making long-term business and personal relationships during my time as a customer is something important. Also, witnessing young staff mature over the years and carve a successful career for themselves is very rewarding and knowing that I may have played a part in their career sits very well with me.

Not an actual Covers memory, but I have a fond personal memory of working on Michael Caine's house and other celebrities. Michael was never on site that much, but he was very approachable and amusing when he was. The end project was a beautiful house, and knowing it was for one of Britain's greatest actors made it all the sweeter.

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How do you feel Covers has helped you over the years in your employment?
Covers have been a massive part of my working life, and many staff in this time have helped. But I like to think of it as a two-way relationship and that I have helped Covers staff too. This is what I feel forms very healthy relationships.

Being a good customer of Covers has enabled me to be included in their social events and hospitality functions. Through these, I have met some colourful l people who some I regard as lifelong friends.
 

You must have built some good relationships with our staff over the years. Anyone in particular, you would like to mention?

Over the many years of being a customer of Covers, I have dealt with many staff this time. I have built strong relationships. However, there was one person with whom I formed a special bond, the late Frank "Timber guru" Hellyer. Sadly he passed away a few years ago but what that man didn't know about the timber wasn't worth knowing. He helped me grow my timber knowledge hugely and was always approachable if I needed a question answered. He is greatly missed.
 

As Covers is an independent business, how do you feel we compare to the nationals and other local independents?

That is an easy question to answer. I wouldn't say I like dealing with faceless companies. I like dealing with people face to face.

You deal with people, not companies. So it's all about building relationships, which is difficult with nationals as they tend to have a high staff turnover. Whereas, Covers have had a steady crop of core staff members over the years, which has helped me form strong relationships.
 

Do you have any funny stories you wish to tell?

At one social event, my wife, Vendy and I were having dinner with Henry Green and other friends. There was a floral display in the middle of the table, and I was tricked into eating a few of the leaves as the rotters said they were edible!
 

Do you remember our 150th Anniversary?

Yes, I do, and very well indeed. The celebratory event was held at Amberley Chalk Pits, and many customers and staff were invited. It was a lovely occasion, and I remember wondering if the company would be around for the next 25 years. But, of course, they are, and I am very proud to see the company grow into one of the most prominent independent merchants in the South.

 

I am looking forward to what they have in store to celebrate their 175th Anniversary.
 

What has been your most significant personal achievement in your working career?

I am still working at the age of 75, enjoying what I do, and knowing that I have done a good job at the end of the day.
 

Biggest changes over the years

I have witnessed many changes in this industry, some good and some bad.
The bad is that there seems to be a lack of apprenticeships or, should I say, a lack of young adults wanting to enter this profession, which I feel is a real shame. There seems to be a real sense of a "take your money and go home" attitude.
The good, though, is knowing that Covers offer an excellent training module and encourage additional learning to their staff throughout their time there. So every few years, a real "gem" of a staff member comes through and luckily for Covers, there are a few of these at the moment, which is a credit to the company.

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We'd like to thank Stuart for his loyalty over the years and also for taking the time to answer these questions. 

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Are you a Covers customer who'd like to share their memories, stories or congratulations? You can do so here. We'd love to hear from you! 

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