As our ‘quiet’ season starts, we thought we would use the opportunity over the next few months to introduce you to a few of the friendly folks here at AccuGrit so you can put a face to the name.
There is no better person to begin this with than Dean Harvey, Founder and MD of AccuGrit. In between shooting off to meetings all over the UK, we managed to grab a few minutes with him to find out more about how AccuGrit got started, what his aspirations for the business are and… discover how you can get muddy with Dean later this year in aid of a fabulous cause.
Dean, start off by describing your role as Managing Director at AccuGrit.
My main responsibilities are to oversee and be accountable for all aspects of the business to ensure the growth strategy is supported. This includes, but is not limited to, setting the culture and business KPIs, business development, ensuring our customer service is the best possible, to making sure our marketing is delivering results. There is plenty to keep me busy!
As the founder, what made you set up AccuGrit?
I have an extensive background in working for service providers in the winter maintenance sector, and so with my own experiences, I knew there was a need for a UK wide specialist within the industry. I wanted to create a business that specifically delivers forecasting, gritting and snow clearing services to the public and private sector, rather than offering multiple services as it such a vital service it requires a high level of expertise.
I am also passionate about building a business that people enjoy coming to work in and feel engaged in what we are trying to achieve.
What are your key aspirations for AccuGrit in the next 3 years?
The obvious one is to continue growing and building upon our reputation as an industry leader in innovation and service delivery for the winter maintenance sector.
I am also excited to be able to expand the team with individuals that want to take the opportunity’s given to them. For example, later in the year we are supporting the government’s ‘Kickstart Scheme’ by creating jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds.
We are also currently going through a process that will see AccuGrit achieve 3 x ISO’s certification this summer. From these achievements, we will embed them as standards into our business, as they will be key in delivering our service to a growing number of clients.
Finally, I am excited about our partnership with the charity Ormiston Families, and we will be working closely with them to accomplish many great things.
Dean, what would people be surprised to know about you?
I am an avid Ipswich Town and Formula 1 fan; I could talk about both of them, in-depth, all day. I also enjoy strumming my guitar. Plus, I am a keen gardener and veg grower, it is handy having the technology to forecast the weather as I have no excuses for any frost-bitten plants!
Finally, tell us about A Brighter Team – The Whole Hog.
2021 is the 40th anniversary of our nominated charity, Ormiston Families and as part of acknowledging this momentous occasion, they are entering a 40 strong team into the Whole Hog, called ‘A Brighter Team’.
The Whole Hog is a five-mile, muddy, 30-obstacle course being held at Wantisden Valley, near Woodbridge, on Sunday, October 10.
Funds raised will go to programmes supporting families throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and Essex. It is a charity very close to mine and the team’s heart.
We are still looking for team members, so if any of our clients or contacts would be interested in taking on this challenge with me, then please contact us at: [email protected]
Keep your eyes peeled for more team members over the next few weeks.
