Inspiration For The New Generation.

Aged 17, Russell Rafton studied a City and Guilds NVQ qualification in Bricklaying at York College. Ten years later, as a damp and timber surveyor, he was made redundant due to the 2007 recession. Even though companies were laying off employees and businesses were going bust, Russell remained positive and decided to start his own business; Dryfix.

 

Now in its eight year of trading, Dryfix is now a successful award winning business and Russell has not looked back.

 

Said Russell; “After completing my Level 3 course at College I progressed to study a qualification in Site Management, from there I went onto a HNC. It was whilst I was doing the HNC I was offered the position as a damp and timber surveyor.

 

Being made redundant was a frightening time; I had a large mortgage and no job! Making the decision to start my own business with the only savings I had was daunting. The company was brand new, with no finance, no trading history and no accreditation, except my own personnel qualifications. My College friend, Alan =, was also out of work and he came to work for me. I forfeited my wages for him and it all paid off, he is still with me now and the business is going from strength to strength!”

 

Since then Russell has gained a number of other qualifications including attending the National Flood School where he took qualifications in flood and fire damage.  He prides himself on getting involved in problems and figuring solutions, even going as far as designing specialist systems to dry out complex buildings.

 

Dryfix employs a team of ten people, including Russell’s award winning brother who followed in his footsteps and attended York College.

 

Said Russell: “I think Business is about being honest with clients; I explain the problem, what needs to be done to fix it and how long it will take complete the job.  To be successful you must turn up, be responsible, responsive and receptive to your customers.  If you focus on what you are good at people will pay for good work. My team have their own specialist areas and I involve myself in all of the projects the company undertakes. 

 

The construction industry is tough and needs driven individuals. It’s really important for students to have a goal, to find something they enjoy and that they are good at. The College was a great place for me and my brother to study, with some fantastic and knowledgeable tutors who really gave us the inspiration to succeed.”