Ian Goodwillie, who regularly featured in ad campaigns with his son Frazer from 1991 for Court Homemaker, is stepping down leaving his latest venture in safe hands.
Ian sold the family business but came out of retirement three and a half years ago to launch the new kitchens business with Frazer, which they have both worked tirelessly to build.
Frazer said: “Watching my dad being so passionate about the North East and home improvements certainly inspired me and I am proud to be carrying on this family legacy.”
His new business, Billingham Kitchens, specialises in bespoke and project managed installations continuing the one-stop-shop ethos associated with his family name.
These values have seen operations grow significantly and to take the business to the next step a former colleague, Paul Cook, has joined Frazer’s team.
Frazer said: “Paul has nearly 20 years’ experience at two of the biggest names in home improvement in the area and we are very pleased that he has accepted a role with us.
“We might just be a small business in Billingham but with Paul here and his vast design and customer service experience people can see we are taking it seriously.”
Paul added: “Frazer and I have the same ethos when it comes to helping customers achieve their dream home improvement. We believe in offering a personal level of service that is not found enough in the industry and to help customers through the sometimes bewildering range of products to help them choose what’s right for them.”
Each kitchen may require as many as 20 different elements, including suppliers and tradesmen. Frazer and Paul’s job is to coordinate them all into a seamless experience.
Many of the main suppliers are British with several based in the North East, an important fact for both men who are born and bred in the region.
“Whether it’s a simple door replacement or a luxury gloss or painted timber kitchen, we offer the same level of service,” said Frazer.
“We can take the project from start to finish, from all the preparation work to the finishing touches and offer an enormous range of kitchen styles and materials.”
One area many companies shy away from is the kitchen ‘refresh’, which is another important aspect of Billingham Kitchens’ business.
Frazer said changing the kitchen doors could improve things greatly without the hassle of a full replacement and often for a fraction of the cost.
“As a company we feel it’s important to offer what the customer wants and we are happy to refresh their kitchen without trying to talk them into a new one,” Frazer added.
Billingham Kitchens can be contacted on (01642) 550909.