From Business Acorn To Mighty OAQ

March 11, 2011 - PRLog -- BUSINESSMAN Allan Stockwin was so impressed with the style and the quality of the handsome and extremely sturdy oak frames that were an integral feature of the extension to his family home that he decided to buy the company that made them.

But before he signed on the dotted line, the Cheshire-based entrepreneur decided to try out the oak frames on an office-building project in Winsford, not too far from his Goostrey home.

“And when that project was finished, the end result was breathtaking,” said Allan, who has an office on the top floor of the development. “Walking through the light and airy office space was like passing under a great, spreading oak. I knew immediately that this style of building would appeal to a wider audience.

“Oak framed buildings combine grace and beauty with solidity and strength. The oak frames themselves provide character and it was clear to me that there were a significant number of people out there who would welcome the opportunity of creating homes and offices in this unique style.”

Allan, who has wide experience in the business world having owned and run a variety of companies, then began talks with the owners of the North Wales saw mill and timber yard that provided the oak for both his home extension and the Winsford office building and set up a new company OAQ (pronounced OAK).

“The Q comes from Quercus, the Latin word for oak tree,” explained Allan, who is chairman of the new company. “I wanted our new business name to reflect both the traditional and contemporary nature of our design work. I also want to make OAQ synonymous with reliability and service – something sadly lacking in the industry generally.

“The Q is also a reference to the quality of our workmanship which is guaranteed by our very experienced and knowledgeable team of joiners and designers who are based at our St Asaph wood yard. Having a reliable workforce is essential if perfection if your goal.

“They understand oak intimately and ensure that only the very best oak is chosen for the projects being undertaken by our clients. I know our team is highly talented and that is one of the reasons I am so confident that OAQ has a very bright future.

“OAQ can provide bespoke green oak frames to your design or provide the complete turnkey solution including project management whether it be a small extension, home or commercial project,” explained Allan. “We can work with builders and architects or we can organise complete projects. We have the expertise and the contacts as well as the know-how and the experience.”

Allan is also convinced the oak-framed look may well take off more rapidly in Cheshire before elsewhere because of those county residents who like to be at the forefront with new trends and fashions.

“However we are getting a steady stream of inquiries from across the UK from people who have fallen in love with the unique style of oak-framed buildings as well as additional benefits including the material’s durability and fire resistance.”

Could the grandeur of the pretty-as-a-picture oak-framed building ever present a challenge to Cheshire’s traditional black and white framed heritage?

“This is not about competition or challenges,” said Allan. “We say that oak is perfected by nature, refined by craftsmen and loved by our clients. Wherever our buildings go, they will complement the existing environment.”

For further information click onto: www.oaq-ltd.co.uk