FOUR DECADES OF QUALITY-DRIVEN, LONDON-FOCUSED FIT-OUT

Posted in Business on 25 November, 2019

Cumberland founder and CEO Dave Park recalls the year of 1977 fondly. Back then Star Wars premiered in the US, the world mourned the loss of Elvis Presley and a pint of beer would have set you back around 15p. But for Dave, 1977 has even greater significance as it was then he launched the fledgling Cumberland Construction as a two-person band on the back of a project won for William Hill bookmakers. 

Some 42 years, and thousands of projects later, Dave leads a 60-strong team delivering interior fit-outs across the hospitality, retail, high-end residential, office and commercial sectors with a particular emphasis on larger scale projects in London.

The London-based firm’s clients include many blue-chip brands and, in recent years, it has delivered an increasing number of spectacular casino projects and stunning high-end residential schemes alongside more regular projects spanning from small repairs to re-fits.

“There’s a sense in which we might be one of the best kept secrets in the interior fit-out sector,” says Dave. “I guess that’s because we have quietly gone about the business of developing strong relationships and delivering high-quality projects that stand the test of time.”

Dave Park and his now second-generation leadership team have invested in extensive infrastructure to ensure Cumberland is equipped for future growth and diversification. Alongside a 60-strong in-house team the company boasts its own 4,000 sq ft HQ, 15,000 sq ft joinery shop – with significant additional plant storage, vehicle loading and delivery space – plus a 5,000 sq ft spray shop and a 2,500 sq ft plant materials’ store, all of which are close to major roads and transport networks. 

 “We took the decision many years ago to retain our in-house team, as opposed to following the sub-contracting route undertaken by many others in the industry,” says Dave. “We believe this – coupled with the fact we have our own joinery and spray workshop facilities – really gives us an edge in terms of the ability to deliver to a consistently high standard as well as being able to closely manage all of our resources to ensure smooth project delivery.”

However, that commitment to direct employment isn’t the only element that marks out Cumberland within the UK fit-out sector.

Dave continues: “Our project managers are all time-served tradesmen who stay with our clients from pitch to handover. This means our team can quickly overcome unexpected challenges that might present themselves during a live project without impact on delivery times or budget.

“Furthermore, the fact that quality is truly a Cumberland cornerstone means that our projects require less ongoing maintenance than many of those delivered by our competitors. This quality is evidenced by high levels of repeat business, a satisfied client base and a raft of industry awards. Not many fit-out companies can point to more than 40 years in the business, but we know we’re only as good as our last job, so that’s the ongoing motivation for all of us.”

If you are considering an interior fit-out project, Cumberland would be delighted to assist you. Why not contact Nicky Park at
n.park@cumberlandgroup.co.uk to discover how Cumberland can bring your design dreams to life?

For more information log on to www.cumberlandgroup.co.uk.