For contractors ETC Sports Surfaces, the combination of dependable products, responsive supply and a partnership approach makes Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) a natural fit for their expanding maintenance operation. Director and Maintenance Manager Rory Wells explains how, from a straight-forward supply of chemicals and linemarking paint, a reciprocal relationship has blossomed creating new business opportunities for both parties.

Founded by Rory’s father Simon in 1987, ETC delivers all aspects of sports surface installation and maintenance, serving facilities primarily across London and the South East. Today, approximately 70% of their work comes from repeat customers – demonstrating the value placed on continuity and quality of service. “We’ve used products from OAS and formally Rigby Taylor for a good number of years” explains Rory. “Most notably we’ve relied on paint from the Duraline range which we’ve always found delivers outstanding results on tennis courts, artificial sports pitches and other hard surfaces.”

For ETC, consistency is just as important as performance. “This paint is really bright and colourful and, depending on weathering, delivers a long-lasting finish appreciated by the clients and by us.” He continues, “We know we can take a customer to a site where we’ve used the Duraline paint, and it’s going to be a glowing example of what that venue can expect to achieve with us.”

Alongside sourcing products for their own operation, ongoing open dialogue with OAS Project Manager Peter Read has seen the ETC team pick up projects on the contracting side of Origin’s business. “Peter has always been fantastic to work alongside – a fountain of knowledge and great support – so it’s great to now be working more closely with one another to bring the benefits of great products and first-class maintenance to even more sports surfaces across the country.”

With a comprehensive product portfolio, Origin support contractors spanning the sports turf, amenity and landscaping sectors – providing them with the products to complete line marking and turf maintenance tasks through to renovations, plant establishment, nutrition and ongoing surface care. Peter Read added, “This service and support is available to contractors throughout the UK and we pride ourselves on working in partnership with these businesses to provide the tools they need to complete both one-off renovations and year-round maintenance.”

Rory concludes, “Because they have their own division, Origin understand what is important to us as contractors. They’ve got the products, the people and, importantly, they’re reliable. It works for us because it’s a partnership and not just a transaction of buying and selling products.”