Meet Niall Cotterell, Foreman at our Gatehouse factory, who has been with the company for more than 12 years!

Niall is factory foreman on the day shift at our Gatehouse factory in Hereford where he supervises the production of roof trusses, floor cassettes and gables.  He has held various roles in his 12 years, and this gives him a distinct advantage – there’s nothing he doesn’t know about manufacturing our timber frame systems.  Yet, he lacked confidence when it came to leadership and management skills…

Q: What do you do at Taylor Lane Timber Frame?

I’m part of the production team where, as factory foreman, I assist in managing 34 staff on day shift and am involved in the important crossover for the 14 staff on afternoon shift.

Q: But this hasn’t always been the case.  What other roles have you held?

I first joined as a general factory operative in 2012, making roof trusses and posi-joists.  This included some saw work too which became one of my strengths.  After three years, I had the opportunity to join the snagging team and work onsite.  I did this for around two and half years before returning to the factory.

Q: What did you do then?

I switched factories and started work in our panel making facility at Thorn.  I was also promoted to saw supervisor.  I did this for another two years before becoming factory foreman.  I then stepped away from production and joined the team at Marches Building Supplies as sales executive.  Marches closed following the acquisition, so I returned to Gatehouse, having come full circle!

Q: Blimey!  You must be one of Taylor Lane’s most experienced production personnel.  Are you doing anything to enhance these skills?

Yes!  I am grabbing every opportunity to progress and improve.  I have recently completed my Institute of Leadership & Management Level 3 qualification; I’m just waiting for the results.

The ILM course is a big deal – it gives you the knowledge and skills to effectively manage teams and projects.  I am now more confident, especially when doing the team talks.  I recently represented the company at a local Career’s Fayre too which is something I would never have considered before completing my ILM.  I am also trained in First Aid and as a Fire Marshal.

Q: What’s the best thing about working for us?

The job security.  Being a parent, I need a stable job.  You can’t underestimate how much it means, to know that the company I work for isn’t going anywhere, particularly now we’re owned by major UK home builder, Cala.

Q: What would you say to any one starting out or looking for a career change?

Be open to new experiences and grab every opportunity to learn and progress.  I joined Taylor Lane straight from college, and I’ll be honest, it was just a job, but now, I realise how lucky I am to work for such a company.  They recognised my potential and together, we’ve identified my strengths.  My confidence has grown ten-fold because of the opportunities and support Taylor Lane has given me, and I am very grateful for that.

Recruitment Open Day

If Niall has inspired you to begin a career with Taylor Lane Timber Frame, then please get in touch or, if you’re local to Hereford, attend our Recruitment Open Day.

Event Details:

Recruitment Open Day

???? 17th July 2025

????Taylor Lane Timber Frame, Chapel Road, Hereford. HR2 6LD

⏰ 12PM – 7PM

Free Parking

Refreshments available

 

RSVP

While this is an open event we require a RSVP with an estimated time of arrival.  Please email [email protected] with your name and an approximate time.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.