Doug Taylor Metal Finishing
A family firm in the very best tradition
When Doug Taylor launched his plating business back in 1981 he might well have enjoyed a ride on a time machine. Fast forward 37 years to the present day and the business he founded is still thriving, his name is still above the door and there are, today, three generations of his family hard at work under the very same Weston-super-mare factory roof, including Doug himself a couple of days a week. A third generation of family members are now actively involved. Daughter and son team Lorraine Heenan and Nick Taylor take a lead with grandchildren Zoe Heenan, Courtney Heenan and Lewis Taylor working in the marketing and dispatch departments. Add in other members of staff and there is 130 years’ experience between them all; hard at work plating, polishing and repairing shiny metal of all types.
The quality of the products produced and the careful working but relaxed atmosphere in the factory is obvious. ALL work is carried out on the premises and repeat customers are legion, Doug puts this down to the scale of the business. ‘Because we are not a giant, and we have all been working together for many years, we can give customers the personal attention to detail that other business simply can’t.’
Word of mouth is how Doug Taylor’s reputation is spread, although the company still attends trade shows, recently winning best trade stand at the Bristol Classic Car Show proof that the team is still actively out there, showing classic car owners that a small-scale, family-run business is a good place to entrust your cherished pride and joy’s shiny bits to.
Chrome, Nickel and Copper electroplating is offered along with specialist plating in gold, silver and zinc. Doug also offers a specialist polishing service for all metals and will repair damaged items within reason.
Doug Taylor’s work will adorn our Austin Westminster project, so you will
be able to see exactly what they can do at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with Discovery, at the NEC in Birmingham on March 23-25. Come to the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs stand and have a good look for yourself, or say hello to the Westie on its 1000-mile trial around Britain between April 18 and April 23.