Family Connection - The Clare's

Covers started as a small family timber merchant working out of the Canal Basin in Chichester. We now have 15 depots in Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, offering a wide range of timber and building materials.

Although our product range has grown and changed over the years, our values have remained the same with family still firmly at the heart of the business. It’s clear to see the value of working for a family run business - there are family connections all around the company: a story spans three generations.

Phil Clare, one of our Chichester Sales Representatives has worked at Covers for 20 years. Phil started in 2002 on the counter at just 17 years old.

I remember walking through Portsmouth depot with my dad as a kid. We’d gone to get some timber. I remember thinking how big the shop was, how there were all these amazing things going on around me and saying ‘wow, this place is cool, I’d love to work here’.”

It was only when he started that his grandad, Rosslyn Clare, who had previously worked for the company for 45 years, said, “Did you know I worked there?”.

Rosslyn, known as Basher to many, started at 19 years old at Olby’s and Son Ltd. It was located on Hawthorn Road in Bognor Regis and was later bought by Covers in 1986. Rosslyn retired in 1993. Eight years after leaving the company, he was proud to hear his grandson had started his first day at Covers.

Rosslyn at his retirement in 1993 with Keith Lamont - Former Bognor Regis Depot Manager, Roger Gill - Former Timber Buyer, Frank Hellyer - Former Timber Director, Andrew Waters - Former Purchasing Director and Richard Wheeler - Former Finance Director

Phil’s career at Covers started on the counter at Chichester. After a year, Phil moved into the yard, picking up his grading training and then spent two years with our Hardwoods team. During his time working with Hardwoods, he gained a lot of information and training that helped him understand the numerous and interesting variety of ways you can use timber to create beautiful effects for any project. After two years, Phil went back to the yard where he completed his mill and treatment training.

Phil Clare as Chichester Sales Representative

   

Phil Clare grading Timber in 2010

Knowing he wanted to progress, in 2008 Phil took up a position on Covers’ management training scheme. Having already been in the company for six years, Phil spent a year gaining knowledge of all our separate departments and working at different depots. Following completion of his management training, Phil became an Internal Sales Representative at our Portsmouth depot. In 2011, he moved to Chichester progressing to Sales Representative in April 2014. He said, “I really enjoy the diverse aspects of the job. If you want to grow as a person, you have that freedom to do so with the support of your manager.”

When speaking to Phil, we asked him what has kept him at Covers, “There’s a great family feel to the company. Covers always treats you like you’re a person and your opinions count, and as a family - they are always there to help you and develop you as a person.”

In 2019, after working for a competitor for 24 years, John, Phil’s dad and Roslin’s son, joined our DIY store: Home Ideas in Chichester. John says Covers has a really pleasant environment and loves working for an independent family company. “I enjoy the work, and it’s nice to be a part of a great team.”

John Clare at Covers Home Ideas