I grew up in Halesworth, a small market town in Suffolk.
If you’re not familiar with the geography of East Anglia, Halesworth, it is 15 miles south of Lowestoft and 9 miles west of Southwold. Lowestoft is Britain’s most easterly town and was recently in the spotlight when Banksy visited.
Halesworth was and remains a very pleasant town, full of interesting architecture and historical heritage, with Roman and Saxon remains found there in excavations. Perhaps, that’s why I’m so interested in things that lie beneath? Drains?
The Romans, of course, were pioneers in drainage and though you can’t see much evidence of this in my birthplace, you can travel north to Hadrian’s Wall and see perfectly preserved examples at Housesteads.
After primary school locally, I went to high school in Bungay, another lovely town in Suffolk. Like Halesworth, Bungay drips with history – from a castle to a 17th Century Buttercross to a Benedictine Priory. I didn’t do very well at school in the 80s as the curriculum wasn’t really based on practical ideas that interested me.
Looking back, being told I’d make nothing of myself was probably a spur I needed for motivation, as I have made something for myself and family with a job I love and revenue that is higher than I could ever imagine when the school bus pulled out of Queens Road, Bungay, for the last journey home from school for me.
Fast forward, from Saxon, Roman times and the 1980s and I’m doing very well. I’ve left the bright lights of Suffolk for Norfolk but still work across both counties with domestic and commercial drainage work. After Christmas, I’m based in Suffolk for a month with a major job in Felixstowe.
Now, I’m not posting this to boast.
When I began Darren’s Drains in 2006, I was very uncertain about starting up on my own. There was, and still is, a huge investment in vans, equipment and training. I don’t turn up with some telescopic drainage rods. No. I’ve built this business with great customer service, professional expertise and state of the art thermal imaging and jetting equipment that has cost me thousands but repays that expenditure, 7 days of every week.
Things have changed too immensely in 15 years of running businesses. There is now more homes and businesses in the east of England, like many other places. Look at Sprowston, Costessey near Norwich or Bradwell near Yarmouth with huge new estates going up. Diesel prices have increased too and one worry, recently, was the scarcity of fuel, when I use so much in business travel.
The pandemic was a threat too to the business – though key worker status assured me of gainful employment.
No.
I’ve done very well for myself.
Revenue from 2020 to 2021 is at record levels. I work hard though at this business. I enjoy what I do too.
I never thought for one minute when I was told at 16 that I’d amount to nothing, that I would be where I am today – happy, healthy and earning an excellent living.
