AN Allonby concrete business which describes itself as 'one of a kind' in Cumbria is celebrating its third year of trading.
Shark Precast is a bespoke concrete precast product manufacturer which prides itself on being 'up for giving anything a go' and striving to help local traders and customers.
The business is a family affair. Peter Dobson, 36, who is the owner and director of the company, teamed up with his partner Shelly, who helps with the admin side of things, to create Shark Precast.
Peter's parents, who have a farming background, also use their expertise to get in on the graft - and the couple's three-year-old can sometimes be found lending a helping hand.
Peter's journey into the world of construction began when he moved to Australia for his rugby career.
When back in England he got involved in labouring which eventually led him onto farm construction.
The name Shark Precast originated from Peter's time at the rugby team 'Sharks'. He saw an empty space in the market for an easier way to form a channel in sledge pits for the effluent to run, which allowed for clean water to remain unaffected.
They started to make bespoke precast products to customer specification and making items for the agricultural, domestic and construction sectors.
Peter is filled with praise for the people that helped him along the way. He said: “I can’t thank everyone enough at DA Harrison and Atlas for helping me and encouraging me and giving me experience over the years.
"Such as helping them in major projects like stadium and terracing units”
Some of the other work Shark Precast have conducted includes slurry channels, security barriers, and more.
Peter enjoys seeing the work his company has produced but being able to receive feedback and repeat orders is what helps keep him going after having a new-born and working longer hours.
After three years of trading, Peter's aspirations for the company are to take on more local staff and increase their product range.
All the while, keeping business local so Cumbrian farmers and business don’t have to source their work outside of the county.
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