Oliver Chapman

How did you start your journey at Wernick, and what led you to your current role?

I joined Wernick Refurbished Buildings in May 2024. Before that, I spent eight years at a competitor, working across various roles within the new and refurbished divisions. When I first started there, I was completely new to the industry, but the experience gave me a really solid foundation and a good foot in the door to move across to Wernick.

What attracted you to your role at Wernick Refurbished Buildings?

It was the variety and the timing, it just felt like the right move at the right time. It was a genuine opportunity for me to challenge myself and see if I could really have a crack at it.

During my interview, I was given a tour of the refurbishment facility and that really sold it for me. I loved the business model, especially how we reuse the steel frames and the strong sustainability focus. I completely buy into what Wernick Refurbished Buildings does and how we do it.

The facility itself really impressed me, but so did the culture. It has that family-run feel and somewhere where you can bring your personality to the role. Wernick Group has a great reputation, and the York office just felt like the right fit.

What do you enjoy most about working with clients in the refurbished modular building sector?

It’s the difference these buildings can make for clients. Being able to see a project through from start to finish is really rewarding. Every job has its own story and its own journey.

Knowing what the building will do for the client, whether that’s supporting education, helping a business grow or solving a space challenge quickly, is a great feeling.

Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of?

The Sir Tom Finney project really stands out. It was a very quick turnaround and seeing what the building has given the school was incredibly rewarding. Quickly resolving some challenges we had and hearing direct feedback from the teacher about the impact it’s had made it even more special.

In cases like this, it’s about giving children better opportunities to learn and it’s great to be a part of.

For businesses, it’s similar, we’re providing a fast, high-quality solution that helps them keep moving forward.

Why do you think refurbished modular buildings are becoming more popular?

Sustainability is a huge factor now, and everyone is trying to do more. At the same time, money is tighter across the board. If you can get a high-quality product like ours for around 25% less than new, it makes total sense.

It’s a great-quality solution with a strong sustainability message and a solid business model. The refurbishment sector as a whole fits perfectly with where a big part of the market is heading and I genuinely believe we do it best.

How would you describe the team culture at Wernick?

Everyone here is fully invested in each project. It’s all about delivering the right result for the customer and making sure everything is aligned.

There’s a huge amount of experience across the team, which has been vital for my own growth and development. Everyone does things slightly differently, and you learn something new every day. As long as you’re open to that, people are always willing to help and that experience really shows in what we deliver.

Where do you see the refurbished buildings market heading over the next few years?

I think the market will go from strength to strength. The term “refurbished” has evolved a lot, it used to be difficult to sell because people assumed it just meant a lick of paint.

That’s why we’re keen to get customers here to see what we actually do. Once they understand the process and the quality, the message really lands.

I genuinely think the refurbishment industry will take off, and it has to. We all need to be more conscious of our carbon footprint, and our business model has a really strong place in the market. It’s cost-effective, high-quality and I think it will continue to get more attention as time goes on.

What has surprised you most (in a good way!) about working at Wernick?

The business model is even better than I first thought. What we can do with these buildings is really impressive. The flexibility and the fully bespoke nature of the product stood out to me and the overall quality is higher than I expected.

What makes Wernick a great place to build a career?

It’s the people you work with. Knowing that your team has your back and genuinely wants to help you makes a huge difference. You genuinely pick up something new every day. There are tough days, but everyone here has been through similar challenges, so there’s always support. That gives you motivation to keep going.

In a smaller depot, there’s no hiding place, you graft and the more you put in, the more you get out.

How would you describe Wernick’s commitment to sustainability and social value from your perspective?

Being 46% greener compared to a new build speaks for itself. We’re constantly investing in improvements at the depot, from the roller crusher to solar panels and EV charging points.

With the Group’s aim to be net zero by 2040, sustainability is always at the forefront of where we’re heading. Customers buy into it because it’s the right thing to do and as employees, it’s something we’re genuinely proud of.

What would you say to someone looking at joining Wernick’s team?

If you come in with the right attitude and work ethic, it’s a great place. The support is there if you’re willing to put the work in.

It’s a stable business with a great model and it’s growing. Even since I joined, there have been huge improvements and there’s a genuine plan in place to keep getting better.

You really do get out what you put in and you have the opportunity to help shape the company, which is refreshing.

Leaving my previous role was a big decision, but I had to do what was right for my family. I want to be part of the journey here and I think it’s only going to get bigger.