Builder's Hero - Louise Baker

She's a real brick 

When Kevin Baker set up his own company, it was wife Louise who helped him put the building blocks in place to make it a real success. And Kevin is sure that his star spouse is the backbone of his firm, K Baker Builder.

The 34-year-old, based in Norwich, Norfolk says: “This business would not have got off the ground if it wasn't for the support of Louise, and together we maintain an efficient and successful family business.”

Kevin set up his firm five years ago specialising in domestic extensions, maintenance and insurance work. But while he gets on with the building work, Louise, 35, looks after administration, accounts, health and safety and training needs for the business.

She explains: “When Kevin decided to set up the business, we knew it would need to be a team effort. “It was clear that it would be best for me to handle all the accounts and the administration related to staff, and I was more than happy to do it.

“Everyone thought we were mad at the start, as I was just about to give birth when Kevin left his job as a site manager at another firm to start up. But we weren’t worried – Kevin had built up some really good contacts.”

Success

Now Louise’s role has grown as the business has become more successful and taken on more staff including apprentices. Her typical week’s work includes dealing with invoices, employees’ wages, subcontractor’s payment, monthly returns and processing tax.

Louise, mum to Holly 10, Emily 10 and Adam 4, adds: “Kevin is taking on more and more projects, and I’m becoming busier. Luckily, my youngest now goes to school full-time, so I get far more done during the day, and spend the rest of the time organising our family.”

And Kevin is clear just how important Louise’s contribution has been. He says: “She keeps us up to date with health and safety legislation, as well as training and her commitments to the business also have to fit around school activities and the usual daily chores. “Her expertise has underpinned our success allowing us to flourish and I am happy to say we have a promising future.