Modern design and old style values transform St James Court

The following article appeared in the March edition of Specification Magazine...

 

Sapphire Balustrades is a company with a commitment to supply good, well-designed products, backed up by reliable service and support for customers and staff. Developing lasting team relationships with customers, specifiers and suppliers coupled with detailed attention to staff training and development are as important to the success of the family run company as the range of balustrade systems it sells.

Genuine end-to-end service

The success of this strategy is clear when you consider some of the long term relationships and prestigious projects in Sapphire’s portfolio. Preferred suppliers for major retailers like Primark and first choice for many architects and contractors, Sapphire has provided solutions where other suppliers have refused even to tender. Work on architecturally sensitive developments, such as Milsom Place in Bath, or under strict time constraints in retail projects where installation has to take place overnight, as in the Primark Lakeside site, demonstrates how Sapphire provides a genuine end-to-end service. Our involvement in a typical project runs from original concept to installation follow-up and is formalised in Sapphire’s unique Project Pathway (www.sapphirebalustrades.com). Safety is a prime objective so all contract managers and team leaders are trained to CITB standards and Sapphire has developed its own On Site Safety and Quality Assurance scheme (OSQA). Our huge experience with balustrades means we bring unrivalled value engineering expertise to a project and we are available at every stage to support the specifier, architect or contractor. Our customers return to us because they know they can rely on us to deliver exactly what is needed at exactly the right time.

One such customer is contractor RG Carter Ltd of Norwich. London architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson specified the products for the final phase of its project at St James Court, Whitefriars, Norwich. RG Carter had used Sapphire on many previous projects so knew how the company works. The building is a prestigious office development incorporating a branch of a national bank on the ground floor. The main office stairwell atrium has a 70 metre Crystal Structural Glass balustrade with an offset oak handrail (Natura), aluminium base channel fixing and stainless steel cover trims. Sapphire also provided 85 metres of polyester powder coated steel balustrade with two midrails from the Opal range in two escape stairwells (one internal, one external) and 30 metres of wall handrail. Access to the bank is via a ramp flanked with a 27m structural glass Crystal balustrade with stainless steel offset handrail on one side and a 23m stainless steel twin flat balustrade (Jasper) on the other.

The project manager from RG Carter appreciated the contribution Sapphire made from the start of the process. “There had been some issues with the quality of finish in materials from other suppliers in previous stages of the project. Sapphire understood our requirements and prepared us a sample of each material. We could then check the finish at every stage, to make sure it matched the specification. There were no problems at any point – what Sapphire promised is exactly what they delivered. At RG Carter we know that all their products comply with the relevant legislation which makes life easier when seeking Building Control approval. I really appreciated the personal interface with Sapphire – I knew they were there to support the project at every turn. Best of all, my client is delighted with the building – which is what it’s all about!”

Close relationships at the heart of the business

This close relationship with the customer is at the heart of Sapphire’s business. We aim to take out uncertainty – no surprises, no alteration to the price or delivery time because of unforeseen problems. We help the customer select the right product to achieve the look they want, at the right price, while complying with all relevant legislation. Our engineering expertise means we can offer the most cost effective combination of products to meet all the safety, design and legal criteria. Then we submit our proposal, with price, and when it’s accepted we regard it as binding. The process continues with our support at every stage, through detailed CAD drawings and structural calculations, manufacture, delivery, installation and follow up. The final stage in the process is our 12 year warranty, unique in the industry. The way we work and what we offer is why so many customers like RG Carter return again and again – they know they can count on us to provide exactly what we promise.

Safety and safeguarding the environment

Safety for our workers and our customers is also a major consideration for Sapphire. We are committed to training our people in the best safety techniques because we know it isn’t only our reputation which depends on it. The customer can rely on our input when negotiating contracts, secure that all legislation and best practice in health and safety is complied with. We pride ourselves on safeguarding our staff in the environment in which they work as well as considering the external environment. We use steel with high recycled content and make extensive use of light, recyclable aluminium. Waste glass and metal are recycled too and we have attained ISO 14001 for environmental management.

It’s all part of the philosophy behind Sapphire. To supply a well designed product which meets the needs of the customer, deliver the service we promise at the time we’ve agreed and with no hidden extras, and to do it with safety and consideration for the environment and our team members.

Straightforward business practices and ‘quality you can hold on to’ lead to lasting relationships with customers and economic success.