We talk to Adam Elphinstone, Managing Director of Southern Contracts to find
out more about what their business offers and what drives them to succeed.
What was your first job?
I worked in a big Burger shaped kiosk on Bournemouth beach.
(PICTURED LEFT) Adam Elphinstone, Managing Director
When was Southern Contracts first established?
Founded in 1964 by Norman Elphinstone Snr, Southern Contracts has grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of industrial laundry equipment, catering and commercial cleaning equipment for offshore and marine businesses. It is now also a major provider to the care sector, nursing and retirement homes, the hotel and hospitality sector, schools, holiday parks, local authorities, housing associations, the NHS, and the MoD. I am very proud that we earned essential worker status during the pandemic when keeping our local hospitals running and ensuring the kitchens, laundry and cleaning appliances were always working. Each ward has its own dishwasher, to prevent cross-contamination and we are currently working with University Hospitals Dorset to replace the dishwashers in each ward, as and when they need to be replaced. We have also been contracted to supply dishwashers to the new wards in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital extension.
Family run and now in its third generation, Southern Contracts was originally formed to supply and maintain commercial special voltage equipment required by the shipping industry. We have now become a global supplier boasting major customers including:
- The Royal Navy
- Carnival Cruises (Cunard)
- Saga Shipping & Cruises
What services does your company offer?
Southern Contracts is a supplier of commercial laundry and catering appliances, covering washing machines, dryers, ironing machines, cooking, refrigeration, beverage machines, to name but a few. We also have Pre Planned Maintenance (PPM) Contracts to ensure equipment is kept in tip-top condition to avoid unnecessary and costly breakdowns and disrupting clients’ businesses. Basically any machine you could possibly need in your business for cooking or cleaning (crockery, glassware, linens, floors), we are your ‘go-to’ company.
Which sectors do you provide your services to?
- Veterinary practices
- Medical practices and clinics
- Schools and colleges
- Care, Residential and Nursing homes
- Hospitality venues
- Leisure Parks
- Marine businesses (Marinas, superyachts, large vessels, offshore platforms)
- Cruise lines
- Royal Navy
- Merchant Navy
- MoD
- NHS
How have you seen the industry change in recent years?
The most astonishing change I think we’ve seen is post-Covid. Previously companies used to stick to a main supplier up-country, but since the pandemic we have seen many more local businesses coming to us for their needs, which is great as many head offices are local to us, such as Carnival Cruises.
What has been your most memorable contract to date?
There have been many interesting and varied contracts, from the spa at the renowned Limewood Hotel, to private and public schools, and fitting out an Oyster superyacht, to the laundry fit-out onboard the controversial Bibby Stockholm, but currently the most memorable one is from the Royal Navy for the fit out of their new Type 31 Frigates.
What do you think makes a good entrepreneur?
Not being afraid to take risks. As a privately owned company we can make our own decisions which lends itself to providing a truly bespoke service to all our clients and frequently having to think outside the box. For example, we regularly have to hire in crane companies to install equipment in hard to reach places. As you can see from our client base and the sectors in which we work, each contract is very different which keeps us on our toes and always keeps us thinking about the best way to deliver.
(PICTURED ABOVE) The original founders of the company
What drives you to succeed?
That’s easy. As a family we have inherited a great legacy from my grandfather and we need to keep building the company in order to succeed – much as he did and my father before us. We are very engaged with our social values and understand the importance of looking after our planet, whether that’s by using the latest technology when using our washing machines to keep volume of water down, and therefore reducing energy and costs, or whether that’s looking after our staff, clients and people in our local area. We are committed to net zero by 2030.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
HA! I see myself sitting on a beach somewhere in the Balearics, overseeing the operations of Southern Contracts., in the sunshine.
What are your plans for 2024?
Exciting times ahead for us next year. After nearly 60 years with the same storage and office place, we have now picked up the keys to our new premises in Christchurch, so are moving our operation out of Pokesdown. We need more space for our ever expanding team and also for the stock we keep in, to enable us to carry out a swift turnaround when required if an appliance breaks down. Above all, we will continue to be the best we can for our clients, hence our ‘Efficient, Reliable, Proud’ tag line.
CONTACT
T. 03301 222888
E. office@southerncontracts.co.uk
A. Unit 4 Ambassador Industrial Estate, 9 Airfield Road, Christchurch, BH23 3TG
Leave a Reply