Meet the latest entry to the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards...

The fencing industry is highly competitive and to survive you have to be ahead of the field.

For 85 years, Meopham Fencing Works has maintained a successful business as a fencing contractor and material supplier.

Manager Malcolm Baker said: “We are probably the oldest fencing company in Kent.

“We have rebranded and invested during difficult economic times and have a historic, quality brand which ensures repeat business.

“All of our waste goes for recycling. The business is managed by chartered professionals and has a rigid customer service policy and procedures.”

At the beginning, the most important staff member was a horse and cart working out of an old timber yard. This was not just for deliveries, but access to public conveniences as the premises did not have its own.

With a staff of five, the Meopham based company offers commercial, industrial, domestic and rural fencing in wood and metal as well as ironmongery.

Mr Baker said: “We have employed technological advances, embracing Twitter, Facebook, a new website and market research to accommodate customer requirements.”