Award-winning drilling company sees upsurge of interest in private wells

As businesses deal with the impact of more straitened financial circumstances with water charges in place and charges on the way for the residential market, Meath-based well drilling specialists Tom Briody & Son has said there is an upsurge of interest in householders looking for their own fresh water supply. The Crossakiel-based company was recently category winner in the 'Best Service To Business' section of the 2010 Meath Business & Tourism Awards, held at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, a win which gave the company a great sense of satisfaction as it prides itself on its excellence in quality and service to customers. The interest in drilling private wells is, says managing director Hugh Briody, helping businesses and families reduce their annual water charges. Because of these savings, the well can pay for itself over a short period of time, he said. Tom Briody & Son has been continually addressing issues in the market as the firm keeps abreast of the latest innovations against the backdrop of the current economic climate. One of the latest innovations is geothermal wells which provide savings on heating bills by extracting heat from the ground, foregoing the need to burn fossil fuels to heat homes and businesses. In addition to drilling fresh water and geothermal wells, Tom Briody & Son provide an extensive range of services which include installation and maintenance of water pumps, carry out yield testing, rehabilitate wells that have not being in use for a number of years and water analysis. The company's success over the years is attributed to management and staff whose dedication and commitment has enabled them achieve the Fás Excellence Through People Standard, through aligning best practice human resource management with business improvement. All staff are fully aware of the company's future plans and systems are in place for each employee to strive towards their goals. The company has also successfully adopted a new branding package, including modern corporate branding and sales materials. New marketing tools focus on educating potential clients on the technical details and financial benefits of installing new fresh water systems. As well as the new brand, the firm recognised the need for a marketing strategy to advertise the company and has put together a new company brochure. The brochure is divided into different categories with each category aimed at specific target markets, such as residential, agricultural, hotel and leisure, educational, consulting engineers, local authorities, nursing homes, quarries and construction companies. Founder Tom Briody first began drilling wells in 1960 and, 50 years later, his son Hugh and daughter Emer have developed the business into a modern well-drilling specialist company by investing in highly-trained staff and the most up-to-date technology and equipment. With help from Enterprise Ireland, the company has recently begun to market itself in the UK, and has successfully secured its first major construction contract outside of the Republic with the Ulster Hospital in Belfast. The firm is currently in other discussions regarding possible large-scale projects in England. Tom Briody & Son has completed many major projects in providing a fresh water supply and geothermal wells for county councils, factories, hotels, farms and the residential market which, in turn, has helped reduce both their water and heating charges.