Name: Charlie Woodrow
Role: Senior Team Leader
Length of Service: 11 years
What is your role at The Traditional Company?
I’m the Senior Team Leader of the Southern team, responsible for overseeing installations, managing the team on-site, and ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard.
What did you do before joining The Traditional Company?
Before joining, I worked at a wedding venue where my role included grounds maintenance, event management, and general handyman work.
What attracted you to this type of work?
The company came to install estate fencing at the wedding venue where I was working. I had the opportunity to assist during the installation and got to know both the team and the company’s values. Around the same time, I had just had my first child, which made me reflect on my long-term career goals. I wanted a role that offered stability, progression, and the chance to build a solid career. Fencing stood out as something hands-on that I genuinely enjoyed, while also offering long-term opportunities.
What does a typical working day look like for you on-site?
A typical day starts around 7am, meeting the team at base. I check over the vehicle and run through the plan for the day—where we’re going, what the job involves, and who’s responsible for each task.
Once on-site, I lead the team through the installation, ensure everything is running smoothly, and liaise with the client to confirm any specific requirements. Throughout the day, I supervise the team and stay in contact with the office to keep everything on track.
At the end of the day, we return to base to prepare vehicles and equipment for the next job. If we’re working away, we finish on-site and head back to the hotel or Airbnb.
What kinds of sites or environments do you usually work in?
It varies greatly—from large estates to private gardens—so no two projects are ever the same.
What key skills are needed to be successful in installation?
Good common sense and a strong eye for detail are essential, as the quality of the installation is critical. You also need a solid understanding of how to carry out the work safely and correctly. Physical fitness is important, as the work can be demanding. On top of that, teamwork and clear communication are key to keeping everything running smoothly on-site.
What tools or equipment do you regularly use on-site?
Welder, spirit and laser levels, post hole diggers, string line, and angle grinder.
How important is teamwork during installations?
Essential.
How do you deal with unexpected issues on-site?
I stay calm and take a step back to properly assess the situation. There’s usually a solution to every problem, so I take time to consider the options and choose the most practical way forward. If needed, I’ll also communicate with the team or client to make sure we’re aligned before moving ahead.
How do you ensure work is completed accurately and safely?
I follow the client’s or designer’s plans closely and make sure the team fully understands them before starting. I carry out site checks to assess risks and ensure we’re working safely. Throughout the job, I make sure health and safety procedures are followed and maintain a close eye on quality to ensure everything is completed correctly.
Do you interact with clients or contractors on-site? What is that like?
Yes, regularly. It’s one of the aspects of the job I enjoy most, as it makes every day different. I like meeting new people and building a good rapport, which helps the job run more smoothly. It’s also rewarding to see clients who have wanted estate fencing for a long time finally get it installed and be happy with the result.
How important is communication in your role?
Essential.
What is your favourite project you’ve installed, and why?
One project in Gloucestershire stands out—it was in a beautiful location and required us to think outside the box in how we approached the work. We installed estate fencing, handrails, and gates, and it was both physically and mentally challenging because it was a bit different from the usual jobs. A former colleague even drove past, took a photo, and asked who had installed it, which was a great moment.
Are there opportunities to develop your skills further?
Yes—there are opportunities to manage larger teams as the company expands and to take on more responsibility.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into installation work?
It’s not for the faint-hearted—it can be physically demanding and often involves working away from home, so having a supportive family or understanding that side of it is important. Being physically fit helps, and having a good eye for detail is key to producing quality work. Most importantly, you need to be willing to learn, work hard, and take pride in what you do.
