If you’re over fifty and wearing a mortar-board (and steel-toe capped boots) Richard Knight will be more than happy to take you on at his fencing company near Chichester.

With several employees still working the wood into their seventies, and the rest of them actively bettering themselves with a number of ongoing schemes and qualifications, the workforce at Knight Fencing is more than happy to be part of Richard’s empire.

Aside from spending his days soullessly sticking fence posts in the ground, this man is passionate about training and education within the industry, as he puts it, “people don’t understand the word ‘know’, and we’re trying to change that.”

Taking it upon himself to bring the fencing world up to speed, it’s not just those making the fences that Richard wants to educate, but the customers and clients as well. When walking around the shop, I notice a number of signs offering explanations of the processes involved with Knight’s products, so nobody is left in the dark.

Not only does this build a relationship of trust between Knight Fencing and its customers, but also communicating that this lot are proud of what they do, and they want the customers to realise what quality is when they see it.

Bridges are being built all over the shop, with Richard’s son and Managing Director, Danny, enjoying good relationships with the company’s associates, regularly sharing a pint at the 19th hole (one each on special occasions), with the likes of the Anglian Timber, McArthur teams and Littlewood Fencing supplies. Richard is particularly keen on forging relationships with suppliers and manufacturers alike, putting the success of their business down to having such strong ties within the industry.

Knight Fencing has come a long way since being established in 1993, when business was all about doing timber work for local authorities. Two years down the line, Danny came on board. Having gained a vast amount of experience whilst working in steel fabrication, his expertise enabled Knight Fencing to spread out into a number of arenas, and the company has since seen an eleven-year growth spurt that shows no signs of coming to a halt. Now covering Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex and Hampshire and employing twenty-two members of staff, the business has a number of sought-after contracts, with the likes of Scottish &  Southern Electric, 4 Delivery Ltd (Southern Water) and Skanska McNicholas. Danny adds, “We have been Chartered PRO-NET installers for Betafence for four years and the Bekassure ten-year supply and installation guarantee has added a much valued string to our bow.”

Whereas most fencers now see their bread buttered on the commercial side, Knight Fencing believes it is important not to shut out domestic trade. Danny says, “It is a lot of hassle, as we often find that a £300 job is more problematic than a £30,000 job, but then with the market as it is at the moment, it’s good to have the business dealing with two different markets.” Keeping their fingers in an assortment of pies, the company’s retail side adds yet another string to the bow, now running into its seventh year.

Richards tells me, “We get customers come in and ask for a brochure, but I tell them to go and look at our extensive display area then you can, feel it, poke it, jump on it if you like – because that’s better than seeing any old pictures.”  This is one chap who’s clearly confident of his products and proud of his business.

Having served in the Navy for 25 years, Richard feels he has ‘come home to roost’, and passing the MD hat onto Danny, he now focuses on improving the industry through training, being heavily involved in Brinsbury College:

“Employers in this area are extremely lucky. The college offers so much support, providing whatever training the demand requires. Having achieved scheme approval for the Fencing NVQ three years ago, there are currently 39 candidates undertaking ‘Train to Gain’ and modern apprenticeships.” He adds, “They are even looking to add another course in Gatemaking Skills.”

“I can’t wait for the day to come when a lad comes in here, slams down his certificates on the desk and says he’s looking for a job. And it WILL come! We currently have two of our boys on the ‘Train to Gain’ scheme, two modern apprentices and two from the pilot scheme that have already completed their course.” Young or old, it’s important to take advantage of all this education on offer. Indeed, as Richard shows me round, he introduces me to two gentlemen putting some rather sturdy trellis together, who have been working at the site for a combination of ninety years.

Assisting Danny with the contracting department is Joe Ricci who was once the company’s most senior fixer, and who has also been the longest serving member of staff with fifteen years under his belt. Richard tells me, “We showed our gratitude to his loyalty by offering him Directorship which he accepted with pleasure.”

Knight Fencing’s favourite kind of work focuses on the youth of today, and running in line with their passion for learning, a majority of their jobs are for schools. When a School had trouble keeping the children in during lesson-time, local police paid £20,000 to have a three-metre high fence erected (no voltage, promise). Not only was this designed to stop the students playing truant, but also to keep ex-pupils from getting in to assault their old teachers. That’s gratitude for you.

It’s not all bad though, as Richard and Danny sing the praises of a recent job done at Redwood Park School for children with disabilities. Danny tells me:

 “We like working for schools as we can keep the middlemen out and work first-hand with the clients. Schools have their own power now, and we find that even though we aren’t always the cheapest, we get the jobs because people like the way we work.” A man of hidden talents, Richard proudly informs me of Danny’s position on the Betafence Contractors Design team. Indeed, with the business in the hands of such a modest and dedicated character, Knight Fencing looks set to retain its nobility for many years to come.

For more information, visit www.knightfencing.co.uk or call 01243 641272