naylor and walkden

client sticks with chorley company for half a century!

Boots The Chemist have been clients with Adlington based Construction and Shopfitting Company Naylor & Walkden Ltd for over 50 years.

Former Director and founder’s son, Tony Walkden is well aware that providing good customer service is essential in maintaining long term relationships.

The ethos of such relationships was nurtured by Tony’s father, Les Walkden, who originally established Naylor and Walkden in 1947 with business associate, Nat Naylor, later joined by Joe Ballard.

Following the death of both associates Tony was persuaded by his father to become a Quantity Surveyor. At that time to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor it was mandatory to have employment in a R.I.C.S approved professional office.

During this period and after qualifying Tony undertook assignments for Naylor & Walkden before becoming an employee in 1965. Being a family concern two other brothers Barry and Michael were also employed.

In 2005 there was a management “buy out” by current owner Philip Gray, Barry and Michael have since retired although Tony still works full time, albeit in a more low profile position.

Tony commented

 

“I still remember most of our contracts and am especially proud of developing, for Boots their flagship store in Manchester Arndale Centre. At that time 1975 it was their largest UK store not “fitted out” and the tender value was £1.2million pounds. Fully fitted and with subsequent design changes the overall final cost approached some £1.8million.

“During construction we had to arrange for a road closure within the City Centre on a Saturday evening to gain access for the largest crane in Britain to be utilised in lifting the mechanical plant onto the extremely high level roof. Added to this were problems associated with adjacent buildings, reach and Public Safety but fortunately all went well.

“Being a very high profile development it was a relief on the opening day when everything worked as expected and we received the highest commendations.”