ABOUT USWestmade Building Contractors has been a trusted name in the industry for over four decades. Our journey began in 1977 when John Gilbert founded the company as a local building contractor, operating from his solicitor’s office. His son, Nigel Gilbert, soon joined him and later took ownership, continuing the family legacy.learn moreA TRUSTED NAME IN THE INDUSTRYABOUT USOur team consisted of just two carpenters and three painters — one doubled as a van driver. Nigel managed paperwork and estimating, and his wife, Lynda, handled weekly wages. Larger projects required the expertise of a subcontracted estimator, and our first company van, purchased for £400, only lasted a few months.learn moreOUR BEGINNINGSABOUT USOur first three jobs on the first day were for a police house in Harland Road, Southbourne, Herbert Day Hospital in Alumhurst Road, Westbourne, and Poole College. As our reputation grew, so did our operations. We moved into an office above an insurance broker on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth before expanding into a larger office within our accountant’s building between 1983 and 1985. By 1985, we had secured our own premises on Markham Road, Charminster.learn moreOUR REPUTATIONABOUT USWe specialised in maintenance and refurbishment, primarily serving local councils, including Dorset, Bournemouth, Hampshire, New Forest, and Poole. Our expertise extended to working with the Dorset Area Health Authority, Crest Hotels, Trust House Forte, and several major breweries such as Devenish, Inn Leisure, Hall & Woodhouse, Eldridge Pope, and Bass and Whitbread.learn moreOUR SPECIALISATIONABOUT USIn 2004, we entered a new chapter when Allen Gilbert-Stroud, third generation, took over from his father, Nigel. Allen partnered with Lee Humphreys a year later, and together they became the new owners of Westmade. At the time, we operated with just five employees from a small office on Christchurch High Street. learn moreA NEW CHAPTERABOUT USWe took a significant step in 2006 when we moved from Christchurch to new premises in Verwood. Allen and Lee revitalised the company by rebranding and investing in our fleet, bringing in new clients, and increasing our workforce. learn moreNEW PREMISES
