Our Story
We’re really proud of our team and so pleased that our customers appreciate all they do. We started from humble beginnings in Will’s garage and we wouldn’t have got to where we are now without our team and our customers – so a very big public thank you to you all.
William Vickery
William completed a carpentry apprenticeship from school, whilst working for a local building company. He found that he had a passion for carpentry and that working in the building trade enabled him to understand all the aspects of building and maintaining properties.
He purchased his own house at the age of 20 and then stepped across into the world of property development, overseeing a number of very successful property developments.
It was a conversation with one of these customers that set him and his cousin, George, on the trail to shepherd hut building. He asked them to build one for him, which they did – and coming from farming backgrounds they were captivated by the heritage of shepherd huts, but also intrigued by the opportunity that the flexibility of the space presented.
Blackdown Shepherd Huts was established in 2011 and now Will oversees the workshop and all things to do with hut build, at the same time as ploughing forward with the development plans for the future.
Bridie (The font of all knowledge one)
Bridie joined us after she had completed her law degree and we are never going to let her go! With her unfailing capacity to put up with all of us and organisational skills which are second-to-none, she has helped us move the business forward and amazingly still likes working here. Her unflappable nature is a key asset and really comes into its own when we have a problem to solve – Bridie aims never to let a customer down and will move heaven and earth to make sure that happens.
Jamie (The never stops one)
Having joined Blackdown Shepherd Huts in the early days, Jamie`s working life started in engineering and his metal and wood-working skills have been a real asset to us. Nowadays, his sheer knowledge of Blackdown means that he is our go-to person for organising the workshop, providing direction and keeping standards high, just as we like them. He has the youth, enthusiasm and speed that keep the team driving forward.
Emma (The sensible one)
Emma is our ‘Captain’ who keeps our feet on the ground and always has good advice when we need it. With many years of experience as an entrepreneur, director and business mentor she is one of the backbones here at Blackdown and is always happy to offer support, business savvy or calm us down when we get over excited.
Amanda (The numbers one)
Amanda is in charge of the purse strings here at Blackdown and is our accounts ace!
Amy (The geeky one)
Amy is our resident girly geek. Taking charge of our website, social media, answering general IT techie questions when Alan breaks stuff in the office and is our ‘go to girl’ for when the need for a nerd arises.
Glyn (The people joiner one)
Glyn started with us as a skilled joiner but quickly his passion for the job and people have led him to become the one responsible for making sure that the Blackdown team keep that lovely family feel that we all value. With his unbounded enthusiasm and commitment everyone benefits from Glyn’s support and encouragement.
Ross (The plans magic one)
Ross joined us part time whilst at college and impressed us so much that we offered him a full time apprenticeship and he has come on leaps and bounds since then. Keenness and willingness to learn are things that we value highly at Blackdown and Ross delivers in spades.
Bella (The happy one)
Bella (a pooly x pug) is our customer service representative, she ensures that everyone visiting is instantly greeted and made to feel welcome.
Spud (The Methane One)
Spud the Greyhound was rescued by Glyn & his partner – his methane moniker comes from his unfortunate guffing habit, which is bravely borne by those in the office with him. In his breaks, he busies himself clearing our boundaries of all predators.