SPONSOR PROFILE Christopher Hackett, Classic Marble

ADOPTING ‘CLASSIC’ PRINCIPLES

this is the credo of Christopher Hackett and his team at iKBBI sponsors Classic Marble

From its humble beginnings in a converted pigsty on the family farm 30 years ago, Classic Marble has gone on to firmly establish itself as a multi-award winning manufacturer of gel-coated resin stone shower trays, and waterproofing products. We spoke to Christopher Hackett, who is a non-executive Director of the iKBBI, as well as Director at Classic Marble - a Founder Sponsor of the institute, about the company and his involvement with the organisation.

Classic Marble was founded in 1984 by Christopher’s father Donald. “He started the business in a converted pigsty on his father’s farm experimenting with artificial marble,” Christopher explains. “Soon, we moved to a converted broiler house, then to a converted cattle byre and now, we work out of a purpose-built manufacturing facility.”

It’s not just the premises in which the company operates that have changed since the business first started, Classic Marble’s product offering is somewhat different nowadays too. “In the beginning, the company manufactured tables from artificial marble,” Christopher points out. “This then turned into shower tray production, as we discovered it was possible to use the same skills and knowledge learnt from mould and pattern making to manufacture the trays and nowadays, Classic Marble is equally well known for its innovations in waterproofing bathrooms under our Classi and CM Seal brands,” he continues. “All it took was a little flexibility and foresight, and we were able to change direction.”

Classic Marble has always been a part of Christopher’s life, and he has fond memories of being involved with the family business from a young age. “I think I was about 5 or 6 when I first began helping at the weekend, although back then, I was probably more of a hindrance to my father who had work to do,” he laughs. “I came to love the Saturday trip to the ‘factory’, where there was always something to do. Looking back, having that opportunity really benefitted me, as it taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of a strong work ethic.”

These family principles have undoubtedly paid off in the last 30 years but during this time, have changes in the industry meant that Classic Marble has needed to adapt in order to remain successful? Christopher believes in the last ten years, since he’s played an active role in the business, that although the difficult trading conditions have certainly had an impact on the industry, the fundamentals of business haven’t necessarily changed. “There will always be the need for quality product at the right price,” he explains. “In fact, in my opinion, quality of product and customer service will always win out in the long run, and I don’t see that ever changing.” This said, he believes companies need to ensure they move with the times in order to prosper in the future, particularly with regards to technology, which is proving invaluable to the running of Classic Marble. “Thankfully, when it comes to Classic Marble, with us running our 9001 and 14001, it is quite well regimented, so operates as much as any business can on its own.”

Classic Marble was a founder sponsor of the iKBBI and remains a sponsor to this day, after Christopher was made aware of the concept at his first Bathroom Manufacturers Association conference. “Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time, and this was definitely one of those occasions,” he recalls. “It was clear to me from the outset that the principals of raising standards, particularly within installation, were sound, as well as the motives, the drive and the passion of the people who were behind the institute.” He continues, “Classic Marble believes in the importance of continuously raising

“There will always be the need for quality product at the right price,” he explains. “In fact, in my opinion, quality of product and customer service will always win out in the long run, and I don’t see that ever changing.”

“Classic Marble believes in the importance of continuously raising standards, so it was an easy decision to get involved with the iKBBI and become the founding sponsor.”

standards, so it was an easy decision to get involved with the iKBBI and become the founding sponsor.”

Over the past seven years, Christopher has watched the organisation grow and evolve, despite facing some criticism. “It hasn’t been easy, but seven years on, the institute has fully cemented itself within the industry, and is ready for the next stage of membership growth.”

Christopher’s experience with introducing new concepts and products to market is proving invaluable in his role as a non-Executive Director of the iKBBI. “In effect, the iKBBI is bringing a new ‘product’ to market, so the skills I’ve learnt over the years enable me to help with the next stage of its growth.”

“Health is something I always hope for, both personal and from a business perspective. If both can remain in good shape, what more could you want?!” Although Christopher is based in Northern Ireland he feels that managing his time between there and the iKBBI isn’t a problem, he says “By using easyJet and Ryanair, making time for both roles is not an obstacle for me. After all, there are no traffic jams at 20,000ft!” He continues, “the likes of smart phones, Skype and The Cloud have meant I can carry out both roles off-site.”

When looking to the future, Christopher knows exactly what his hopes and aspirations are, both in his business and personal life; “Health is something I always hope for, both personal and from a business perspective. If both can remain in good shape, what more could you want?”

Classic Marble Showers Ltd. 185 Omagh Road, Garvaghey, Ballygawley, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT70 2AL, Northern Ireland

Classic Marble 02885 568 081 Fax: 02885 568 082 www.classic-marble.com info@classic-marble.com