Terry Dicken Home Improvements
Home improvements, we all need to do it but we put it off because we prefer holidays and experiences – it’s true, isn’t it? Perhaps, you’ve been saying for the past 2 years you need to replace your windows? It happens to the best of us. But think of the feeling you’ll have when your to-do list is complete. After all, our homes are our stability and our safe place. So this week, I hope to inspire you into getting those ‘put off things’ done with the great Terry Dicken Home Improvements.
If you’re local, you’ll know the Dicken name and if you don’t then, I am not sure where you’ve been. The Dicken family are the hardest working people I know and I couldn’t not pay my respects to the great man himself, Terry Dicken. He sure has left a great legacy behind not only to his family but for our town, Stokesley. A man I wish I’d met.
Those older than me will know the Dickens history of the hardware days in Portrack Lane, Stockton and their TV advert with the little man in the blue overalls. Since those days the home improvement business is booming and is now growing with 14 employees with its showroom in Stokesley. Terry’s youngest son, Mark Dicken, is carrying on business as usual. I met with Mark Dicken’s very first assistant/employee, Mark Beattie, now general manager of Terry Dicken Home Improvements, to tell me more.
Bart to sort
“I became Marks assistant back in January 1998, I am a joiner by trade. My nickname within the company is Bart. Mark used to say Bart to sort when he wanted something sorting”.
Windows, kitchens, doors …
“We help make our customers home a dream. We specialise in windows, kitchens, garage doors, doors and bedrooms and can often make bespoke designs, to suit your needs”.
Grown with the company
“I’ve been with the company for 20 years and have worked myself up the ladder to be in the position I am in today. I was appointed installation/fittings manager in 2002 and then general manager in 2012. When I was at school I wanted to be a Chef in the Navy and then one day my friend said to me he wanted to be a Joiner. We both then went to Redcar Technical College on block release”.
Customer Relationships
“We all have great relationships with our customers and a high percentage of them return. In fact, I have been visiting the same customer’s houses over the past 20 years because they trust that we always give good service”.
Reputation
“Most of our business comes from referrals and the great reputation that the Dicken family have in the North-East. I can’t stress enough how proud I am to work for the family name ‘Dicken’.
Showroom
“Our showroom is located on the Terry Dicken Business Park, open Monday – Saturday. You can see our latest displays, touch and feel the materials and chat with our friendly team to discuss your ideas and get inspiration”.
Feature Friday Fact – Mark (Bart) has a dog called Alfie.
Sally Atkinson, Editor at large
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