A former top boxer from North Wales is still punching above his weight in business.
According to Steve Kavanagh, the boss of Wrexham-based ANL Drainage, the discipline he learned in the ring is still standing him in good stead more than 30 years later.
Steve, 56, also runs a building firm, R & S Construction, with his older brother Robert, but, given the current economic climate, it’s the drainage company that’s taking up most of his time and energy.
He is being kept on his toes by new regulations that mean that property owners have to register their septic tanks as part of a massive upgrading of drainage systems by the Environment Agency.
One of the keys to their business success, says Steve, is the expert advice and strategic guidance he’s received from Chartered Accountants Coxeys, who have offices in Wrexham and Saltney.
Steve said: “The support and guidance we have had from Coxeys has been absolutely magnificent.
“The business advice from Gill Atkinson has been spot on and, in uncertain times economically, has ensured that the company remains on firm financial foundations supporting business growth.
“In between her visits, we can always pick up the phone and any issues can be sorted out immediately.
“It gives us peace of mind to concentrate on the things that we are good at.”
Steve, who lives in Bradley, was a member of the Llay Boxing Club under the charismatic tutelage of the well-known local policeman, Jim Jones.
He boxed for Wales in his early twenties – first as a light middleweight and then as a middleweight – and rubbed shoulders with legends like Sir Henry Cooper (then plain Our ‘Enery), John Conteh and Pat Cowdell.
Steve added: “My background as a boxer has certainly helped me in my business life, boxing instills discipline and the ability to focus on what is important to achieve your goals.
“I wasn’t good enough to turn professional but the lessons I learned then have stayed with me.
“To be a success in business, you also need a good accountant and we have been with Coxeys for more than 20 years.
“ANL Drainage, which we bought about nine years ago, is now the main part of our business.
“We do lots of work for the local authorities like and housing associations like Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd and Wrexham County Borough Council as well as other public bodies, businesses and households across North Wales and the North West.
“These days we are being kept particularly busy by changes in the Environment Agency’s regulations.
“They now require property owners who have septic tanks to register them.
“I think it’s fair to say they have been inundated so the deadline for registration has been extended.
“They require you to advise them what your septic tank is like, whether or not you are disposing into a watercourse or into a very good soak away system.
“Where you are disposing into a water course, we can fit sewage treatment conversion units to existing septic tanks as well as fitting new septic tanks where they’re needed.
”We can cater for septic tanks that cater for between four and 25 people so that’s perfectly fine for most domestic and small business needs.
“If you don’t get it done, it can lead to complications further on down the line.
“For example, if you’re selling a property and the search shows the septic tank is not registered.
“At some point, if someone hasn’t , they can expect a knock on the door eventually.”
Gill Atkinson said: ” We are delighted that we have been able to play our part in the ANL Drainage success story.
“They are great ambassadors for local business and industry, SMEs like this are the backbone of our economy.”
For more information go to www.anldrainage.co.uk. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or ring 01978 721111.
