BUILDING contractors yesterday expressed concern at a loss of competition with the closure of Covers. Guernsey Building Trades Employers’ Association president David Duquemin said it was a great shame.
‘While Norman Piette was always going to be the market leader, it was of benefit to the building industry that we had competition,’ he said.
‘Obviously there will be a void there now and Norman Piette is almost in a monopoly situation, but someone might come in to fill that.’
Norman Piette managing director Clive Fenner denied it had a monopoly.
‘There are a number of operations who are merchants and compete with us. All you need to do is look in the phone book, anything from B&Q all the way through,’ said Mr Fenner.
‘I think our company has always behaved and traded with the utmost integrity. We have survived because of that.’
He added it was a great pity that Covers was closing.
‘They were good competitors, but I believe there are plenty of other people around.’
Pete Goubert, from P&C Builders, was unaware there was a problem with Covers until yesterday morning.
‘It’s going to have a big knock-on effect, because all we’ve got is Norman Piette. They could up their prices if they wanted.’
Mr Goubert was heading into Covers at Braye Road Industrial Estate yesterday to find out what was happening with his orders.
He does not have an account with Norman Piette and was concerned any delay in getting one could affect a big project he was working on.
‘Covers didn’t send a warning to say things might be going wrong, even a mention in your account, then you would be less pushed.’
His company, which he runs with his son, had been going since February and has been getting its supplies from Covers.
When he was was working for an employer, he also used the company, which had taken on staff he knew when they worked at Tricorn.
‘I stayed with the lads. They are brilliant, well-informed and helpful.’
Article posted on 3rd October, 2007 - 12.00am
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