A solid grounding

When it comes to building, good groundworks are essential. We find out more from construction expert Ben Taylor.

Whether you’re renovating, landscaping or embarking on a new build, what happens below ground is as important as was what appears above. As with mighty oaks, solid foundations and drainage are the roots of any build. Perhaps not considered to be the most glamorous side of the construction industry it is, however, something that is essential to get right from the start.

“A long list of satisfied customers are testament to the hard work and experience that BJ Taylor can offer…”

Cornishman Ben, owner of BJ Taylor Landscaping & Groundworks, comes from a family farming background. He learned his trade alongside his father on the family farm in Polzeath, initially on farm builds and renovations and then moving on to barn conversions and new builds. Ben left the family farm to work with, and nurture, what was to become an award-winning cattle herd, scooping the award for ‘best heifer in the country’ in 2003.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Ben left farming on a high with a desire to set up on his own. His entrepreneurial spirit took him to work on a building site and, after realising he had a flair for groundworks, the purchase of a Land Rover, digger and trailer saw Ben go it alone. “I’ve never looked back,” says Ben. “We always put the customer first and pride ourselves in doing whatever it takes to get the job done – you won’t see us disappearing from site at 5 o’clock on a Friday if there’s still work to be finished!”

It’s this ethos that lead to the growth of the groundworks business and Ben now also offers landscaping and construction. “I soon realised that if you can lay block in the ground, you can lay block out of the ground,” explains Ben. “I have a very experienced team, and between us we can take on both private and commercial projects. We’re also Cornwall’s only approved installer of NUDURA Insulated Concrete Formwork!”

A long list of satisfied customers are testament to the hard work and experience that BJ Taylor can offer, and if you’re not sure where to start with construction or landscaping then Ben and his team are happy to advise.