For contractor ETC Sports Surfaces, dependable products, responsive supply and a partnership approach have made Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) a natural fit for its growing maintenance operation. Director and Maintenance Manager Rory Wells explains how a relationship that began with the straightforward supply of chemicals and linemarking paint has developed into a partnership creating new opportunities for both businesses.
Founded by Rory’s father, Simon, in 1987, ETC Sports Surfaces provides sports surface installation and maintenance services across London and the South East. Around 70 percent of the company’s work comes from repeat customers – a reflection of the importance it places on consistent quality and service.
“We’ve used products from OAS, and formerly Rigby Taylor, for a good number of years,” explains Rory. “Most notably, we’ve relied on paint from the Duraline range, which we’ve always found delivers outstanding results on tennis courts, artificial sports pitches and other hard surfaces.”
For ETC, consistency is just as important as performance.
“The paint is really bright and colourful and, depending on weathering, delivers a long-lasting finish that’s appreciated by both our clients and us,” says Rory. “We know we can take a customer to a site where we’ve used Duraline paint and it’s going to be a glowing example of what that venue can expect to achieve with us.”
The relationship has since developed beyond product supply. Through regular dialogue with OAS Project Manager Peter Read, the ETC team has also begun taking on projects through Origin’s contracting operation.
“Peter has always been fantastic to work alongside – a fountain of knowledge and a great source of support,” says Rory. “It’s great to now be working more closely with one another to bring the benefits of great products and first-class maintenance to even more sports surfaces across the country.”
With its comprehensive product portfolio, Origin supports contractors across the sports turf, amenity and landscaping sectors. Its range covers everything from line marking and turf maintenance through to renovation, plant establishment, nutrition and ongoing surface care.
Peter Read adds: “This service and support is available to contractors throughout the UK, and we pride ourselves on working in partnership with these businesses to provide the tools they need to complete both one-off renovations and year-round maintenance.”
For Rory, it is that understanding of the contractor’s needs that sets the relationship apart.
“Because they have their own division, Origin understands what is important to us as contractors. They’ve got the products, the people and, importantly, they’re reliable. It works for us because it’s a partnership and not just a transaction of buying and selling products.”