HISTORY

WJ Olds Ltd, the Hockley-based building contractors and maintenance company celebrated 50 years of continuous success.

Mr William James Olds, founder of the company and its present chairman, said: "When I started my business in 1946, I was determined to provide the customers with a quality service - together with first class value for money.

'Well I'm pleased to say that the customers really did appreciate my philosophy.

'So WJ Olds Ltd is still here today, stronger than ever, and with a turnover in excess of £2 million."

Today the modern company can offer a wide range of services. These include industrial and commercial works - from major contracts in excess of £1 million - right through to maintenance works, including 24-hour day-to-day maintenance.

But back in 1946 the business was a far more modest concern.

"Soon after being de-mobbed from the RAF, I bought a hand-cart and applied to the Ministry of Works for a permit to start-up in business on my own," said Jim. "The permit was granted, and the WJ Olds began to trade.

"In those days, things like petrol and most other materials were tightly rationed; and timber was like gold dust!

"My first house was built for Mr Albert Jones, of Silk & Frazier, in the 1950s. The architect was James A Roberts and it was his first commission. From then on we built many houses in and around Birmingham and Solihull area.

"And over the years, we have completed many projects for the City of Birmingham, plus refurbishments for many of the leading banks."

In 1971, Mr Jim Olds started another company. He called it WJ Olds Housing Ltd and then he brought land to develop and build houses.

The new business proved very successful, especially in the Evesham, Pershore and Fladbury area where it built over 60 four of five-bedroom houses. Today, like the main company, it is still a thriving concern.

Asked what made his companies so successful, Jim replied: "Basically, it's because our customers know that our word is our bond. Unlike so many other companies today, we never make promises that we cannot keep.

"As a result, we don't have to rely upon advertising because most of our business is obtained through personal recommendations from satisfied customers."

He commented: In the real world we all know that you only get what you pay for.

Indeed, the company's determination to provide only quality products is demonstrated by the fact that it still has its own joiners shop, staffed by skilled craftsmen.

"We are proud of the fact that many of our present-day workers joined us straight from school, and served their apprenticing through the various colleges around Birmingham," said Roger.

We are also proud of the fact that it is not uncommon for our employees to remain with us for up to 30 or even 40 years.

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Founder W J Olds.

FROM A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

WJ Olds Ltd is located in Hockley, close to the heart of the UK motorway network, and has always maintained a long and proud association with the City of Birmingham.

Mr William James Olds, founder of the company and its present chairman, said: "When I started my business in 1946,I was determined to provide the customers with a quality service - together with first class value for money.

Managing Director Mr Roger Olds thinks that in today's market so much business is done on the basis of competitive tendering, where only the cheapest bid is accepted. He prefers the acknowledgment of quality workmanship and value for money.

 

Therefore W J Olds
company motto is always:

"The best work is not the cheapest in the long-term, because quality will remain long after the price has been forgotten."