Able Joinery

For some, starting their own business can seem a daunting prospect; for others it can come as a natural progression. As Sian McWilliams finds out, personal experience and a passion for the craft really is the key to success. 

Karl Reed started his first business almost by accident, when the company he was working for shut without warning in 1988. “It was a real learning curve,” he remembers, “the physical work was the easy part but I had no idea about bookkeeping, banking, advertising and all the other things that needed to be done.” 

This first venture proved immeasurable in acquiring the business acumen that Karl would later use for his current business. “As an all-round craftsman and glazier I felt constrained and wanted to offer bespoke solutions for windows, doors, glazing and other joinery products. I had 20 years experience back then and was frustrated that it wasn’t being fully utilised.” In 1997, Karl started Able Joinery from his home in Sale. 

Karl had worked in joinery and glass companies throughout his teens and even cut short a physics degree to return to the craft. It seems his heart is in the trade as he's still in joinery and glazing 30 years on! As demand increased, Karl recruited qualified, time-served craftsmen, which meant he was able to devote the necessary time to meeting with clients, planning and organising their work with his eye for detail, giving them a first-class service. 

In 2004, Able Joinery moved to their current premises off Navigation Road, Altrincham and expanded in 2007. They are now ideally based to cover south Manchester and north Cheshire, where they have many loyal customers. Indeed, in any of these areas, you are never more than a few streets away from an example of their work. 

Able Joinery strive to offer unique solutions for each project. “We do what’s best for the customer – we can work within specific budgets and to different levels of specification and are always truly sympathetic with the age and style of the building,” says Karl.  Their after-sales service is first class and their reputation in the region has been integral to their success. To add to their portfolio, Able Joinery were recently chosen to provide bespoke double-glazed timber windows at the recently refurbished Panacea restaurant and bar in Alderley Edge. 

“I have found out that running your own company needs support from good staff and an especially understanding wife!” adds Karl. “Luckily, my wife Kim works with me and is a director in the business as well as an asset to it.” For Karl, having his own business gives him the chance to make a real difference to his customers, his community and his family.” 

At a time when many businesses are struggling, Able Joinery stand out from their competitors by ensuring that they go the extra mile. “I force myself to make at least one extra phone call, letter, fax, email, visit or task each day – this really makes a difference, as in one month 50 extra things have been done,” says Karl. 

For Karl, ensuring a good job at the right price, keeping promises and getting things right are integral. As a result, he has seen the business grow and grow, but is not complacent: “I feel I have been really lucky with Able Joinery’s success. Or maybe as Samuel Goldwyn said, ‘The harder I work the luckier I get.’”