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Magicman appoint new Sales Executive for Midlands

Magicman are pleased to announce the appointment of Kate MacDonald as Sales Executive Construction Services for the Midlands, Eastern, Central and Wales areas.

Kate joins us with 5 years’ repair industry experience and over 10 years’ experience selling into the construction industry.

Mark Henderson CEO Magicman Group said: “

“Kate is a confident and extremely competent lady whose strong work ethic and personal attributes enable her to make and maintain meaningful and long term relationships with clients. Her fastidious attention to detail ensures that all clients are handled with great skill and care and I am sure she has a long and bright future with the company.”

Kate has had hands on experience on sites and works closely with site management teams, building strong working relationships with national and regional construction companies.  From surveying through to project management of larger jobs, Kate ensures a smooth and defect free hand over for our clients. 

Kate said:

“I am delighted to be working for Magicman and have found the support from all corners of the business quite overwhelming.  I feel empowered here to be the best I can possibly be, for the benefit to both myself and our customers. Joining Magicman enables me both to expand on my knowledge of repair services as well as offer a wider choice to my customers.”

For more information about Magicman’s services, please visit: magicman.co.uk 

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Magicman: The difference between an engineered repair and a cosmetic one

Every month Magicman technicians all over the country send ‘before and after’ photos of the jobs they attend back to head office.  When it comes to surface repairs, they cover everything - wood, laminate, ceramics including wall and floor tiles, stone, brick, uPVC, plastics. corian, marble, glass and so much more. 

Repair to holes in tiles when access pipes are moved

Magicman’s mission is to restore and extend the lifespan of items that would otherwise go to landfill, saving money for the customer and helping the environment. Of course that has led to many imitators but there is one outstanding difference between us and the competition, Magicman repairs are engineered and not simply cosmetic.

A hole in a bath that won’t reappear thanks to an engineered solution

Cosmetic repairs are by definition superficial and are ‘designed to cover up a flaw or deficiency’. Damage is filled in and covered up. It may make the surface look new and wonderful for a time but generally they don’t last.  That is because they are achieved using materials such as repair wax that often falls out or breaks again before too long. Magicman offer superior engineered repairs which are permanent.

Not all damage is accidental but ugly access holes can be repaired too

The first priority of a Magicman technician is to eradicate or resolve the problem and then to make it disappear to the untrained eye. They do this by reinforcing the substrate and supporting the repair using the best materials, often products unavailable to the public because of the health and safety training required to use them properly.

Paint spillage can be fixed... even if splashed on acrylic, ceramic or glass 

It’s a matter of ethos. If a Magicman technician thinks the repair won’t last, he or she won’t attempt it. Furthermore when a Magicman van arrives, it is fully stocked with the best industry products currently available so that the technician is ready and prepared to carry out any works that you might require right away.  

Colour and grain matching is just one aspect of our repairs

Magicman repairs can take place anywhere in the home, inside and out, as well as in motorhomes and boats, commercial properties like hotels, restaurants and leisure centres, museums and galleries, hospitals and government buildings, We work nationwide but internationally too, on major builds abroad and on cruise ships all over the world.

A damaged surface can be made beautiful again no matter how detailed

Even though Magicman have been in the business for 24 years, we are not sitting back. Our dedicated R&D department continually test new materials and source the finest products as they become available. 

Almost impossible repairs can be achieved outdoors as well as in

This means Magicman are able to offer the largest range of restoration solutions on the market to the broadest selection of hard surfaces.  

All forms of brick and stone can be renovated and even recoloured if necessary

And we will look at any job, no matter how big or small or how unique! One of the advantages of Magicman is our scalability, from one technician in a van, to teams of 6 to 8 or even more.

After 24 years in the business no job is too different or unusual

So why settle for a cosmetic repair when Magicman’s engineered solutions are second to none? For more information visit our magicman.co.uk.

All the repair and restoration solutions presented in this post are winners and runners-up in Magicman’s Repair Photo of the Month competition from March to June 2017. Photographs are of genuine Magicman jobs carried out for real customers and are taken by the technician who carried out the works in every case.

For more amazing Repair photos, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Like our Facebook page to receive updates.

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Magicman put dent in hospice care bill

Magicman are best known for making dents, scratches, holes and burns disappear but for once they decided to create some damage – to the running costs of a children’s hospice by covering their entire running costs for 10 Days.

Pictured holding Magicman’s Pay for a Day certificates: Juliette MacPherson, Mark Henderson and his daughter Holly, and  Chairmen of Chestnut Tree House board of trustees Derwyn Jones

Chestnut Tree House, has become a charity close to the heart of Mark Henderson, owner and CEO of the popular surface restoration company, after he was moved by the testimony of parents at the Snowman Spectacular Fundraising Ball last year.

Chestnut Tree House provide specialist care and support to around 300 children with life-shortening conditions and their families across East Sussex, West Sussex and South East Hampshire. The cost of providing this vital service is in excess of £3.5 million per year, yet the hospice receives less than 7% central government funding.

It relies heavily on the support of individuals and the local business community to continue providing vital care to local children and families. Although Magicman provide a nationwide service, their headquarters, call centre and training academy are in Sussex.

Mark is especially keen to champion the Pay for a Day scheme which encourages individuals and companies to donate the entire running costs of the hospice service for 24 hours. So much so that he has committed Magicman to Pay for 10 Days this year, a total contribution of over £68,000.

Juliette MacPherson Fundraising Development Manager at Chestnut Tree House said:

“Since we opened in 2003, the number of children we care for has increased from 30 to over 300, and during this time the children we are caring for have become more complex. We are only able to reach more families and increase our services thanks to the support and generosity of the local community.

“The support from people like Mark and companies like Magicman is invaluable to us. It costs £6,850 per day to provide all our specialist care services – both at the hospice and out in the community. Less than 7% of this comes from central government so we rely heavily on the support and generosity of the local community. Paying for 10 days of care is extremely generous, and we are so grateful for Magicman’s on-going support.”

If you are interested in the Pay for a Day scheme, please email [email protected]. 

For more information about Chestnut Tree House please visit: chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

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Magicman Gavin asks Aberdonians to repair not replace

When Gavin Paisley relocated to beautiful Moray on the coast of Scotland, he was looking for a new lease of life, not only for himself and his family but for thousands of everyday items.

By launching his new business venture as Magicman’s Independent Licensed Operator for Aberdeenshire, Gavin represents the UK’s most popular restoration experts. Magicman is an innovative service that specialises in repairing damage of all types to almost any hard surface including chips, scratches, holes, cracks and burns to kitchen worktops, bathtubs, shower trays, wall and floor tiles, doors, window frames and much more. 

It means that damaged items that would normally go to landfill, can be rectified for a fraction of the cost of replacement and can be brought back into use, often within hours. Magicman’s mantra of ‘repair not replace’ is significantly contributing to sustainable building and reducing landfill by repairing hundreds of damaged surfaces nationwide on a daily basis.

Gavin began his career in building supplies and specialist filtration equipment but then spent most of the next 20 years working in the finance industry in the Channel Islands. Recently he made the decision to relocate back to Scotland with his wife and young son and take up a fresh challenge.

Magicman Gavin Paisley said:

“Typically office based in my previous roles, swapping the pen for a brush was an obvious career change for me. I like to meet people and this job gives me plenty of opportunity to do so. I take personal pride in ensuring I deliver a great and memorable client service to the very best of my ability each and every time.  Magicman and its high standards of technical specialisation, continuous training programme and background support help me achieve this."

Like all their technicians, Gavin undertook an extensive 5 week course at the Magicman Training Academy in Brighton where he was trained to work with resins, paints and lacquers that are unavailable to the public, to permanently repair wood,  metal,  uPVC, ceramics,  laminate,  acrylic surfaces, stone and even marble. Often customers are astonished at the unbelievable results.

When asked about Magicman’s newest independent operator, CEO Mark Henderson said:

“Gavin is an excellent and most welcome addition to the Magicman franchise network enabling the North of Scotland to now benefit from our unique professional services.”

Having taken up the challenge  of a fresh approach, Gavin is well placed to offer his services to the whole of Aberdeenshire and surrounding areas. If other repair services tell you an item is beyond saving, contact Gavin and remember to repair not replace.

For more information visit magicman.co.uk or email damage photos along with your postcode to [email protected] (attachment limit 8MB).

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Repair Photo of the Month: Jan -Feb 2017

 The return of Magicman’s popular monthly Repair Photo competition is a double-whammy of perfection featuring the best repair and restoration work of 2017 so far.

February winner - difficult colour matching to scuffs and scratches

One of the benefits of hiring a Magicman is that he or she will work in-situ. In short, we come to you.  Why that is so important is easily lost on customers until they see examples like the winners in January and February’s repair photo competitions and then all becomes clear. 

The winning repair above by Magicman technician Marius Jasevicius was performed on a badly scuffed and scratched dividing wall panel. Even if the panel had been removed and sent to a workshop, the chances of ancillary damage during removal and re-installation is high. If the customer had chosen to replace the item instead, they would have run the additional risk of the new stock (if it had been available at all) not matching the colour perfectly as it would almost certainly be manufactured in a different batch. Magicman technicians are fully trained in colour matching. Whether they mix RAL colours by set formulas or by eye, they can skillfully blend into the most unusual colouring or match detailed grains, patterns and textures.

February runner-up: damage surrounding a new fitting disappears

Runner-up repairs by Magicman technicians John Smith (above) and Derek Grogan (below) also take place on difficult to match surfaces, either due to the grain as pictured above or in the case of the vintage furniture aboard a cruise ship pictured below, complicated by a high lacquer finish.

February runner-up: vintage furniture gets a new lease of life

Magicman technician Jon Goodall was January’s winner. External works are a regular event for Magicman but a job that involved tinting some new red brick work to match the existing sand coloured materials is far more unusual. 

January winner: colour matching new brick work

Runner-up Graham Hood demonstrates that even the biggest hole in a bathtub is no reason to rip it out when you call Magicman.  

January runner-up: nobody wants a see-through bath!

Whether the restoration needs to take place on walls that are internal or external, on furniture that’s out at sea or on a permanent fixture like a bath, Magicman can travel anywhere to carry out the works. Magicman technicians carry the best industry products currently available and arrive ready to carry out any works that might be required.

Congratulations to Marius, John, Derek, Jon and Graham, all well deserved winners and runners-up. Join us again next month for more amazing Before and After photos of incredible repairs taken by the technicians who performed the works. 

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Magicman expansion bolstered by tactical appointments

To meet increased demand from insurance and marine clients and to support expansion into new areas, on site repair specialists Magicman has undertaken a recruitment drive to strengthen its nationwide workforce to over 100.

Niall Pollard new Head of Insurance Services at Magicman

As well as employing 4 new call centre staff to directly support customers, Magicman is delighted to announce the creation of three key B2B positions at senior management level.

Magicman has appointed Niall Pollard to the new position of Head of Insurance Services from 3rd January 2017. He joins Alan Pumfrey, Senior Manager Insurance Services and Gareth Preston, Senior Manager Marine Services both newly appointed on 1st December 2016.

Niall Pollard has held several Board positions since 1984, spending the last 25 years in the insurance supply industry. As Managing Director of Independent Inspections Ltd, his knowledge and work ethic contributed to the company becoming one of the most successful claims management businesses in its sector at that time.

Within IGUK, Niall took over the role of Client Services Director developing successful relationships with most of the major insurance companies in providing services within validation and replacement of contents claims, contents restoration and drainage solutions.

For the past few years, Niall has worked in a consultancy capacity developing new services to the insurance supply industry. During this time, he has worked for several suppliers, but has also been involved directly with a number of insurance companies evaluating process and cost efficiency measures. Magicman is delighted that this experience will contribute valuable insight to his new role within the company.

Alan Pumfrey has worked within the home and commercial insurance claims sector for 25 years, commanding senior account management and business development positions. His experience with Independent Inspections and IGUK will bring an in-depth knowledge of the insurance claims market which has already led to the acquisition of several new insurer accounts for Magicman.

Alan has managed high level relationships with most of the major UK insurers including Aviva, Direct Line Group, Lloyds Banking Group, Axa, Zurich, Allianz, Ageas and Legal & General. He worked primarily in the flooring and furniture validation, repair and replacement sectors and will enable Magicman to enhance its service offer in the coming months.

Well known and highly regarded within the marine industry, Gareth Preston managed major refit projects on over 20 vessels for cruise line operators such as Carnival UK, Norwegian Cruise Line, Stenna and Carnival Australia. He has 30 years’ experience working in the upholstery and marine fit out industries including time with Harris Pye and Trimline.

Gareth will bring a wealth of knowledge to Magicman and enable it to survey, report and tender for work beyond its current specialties. This combined and enhanced service provision should in turn facilitate more opportunities to work with both existing and new cruise operators.

We hope you will join Magicman in wishing Niall, Alan and Gareth every success in their new positions.

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Repair Photo of the Month - November 2016

November’s winning photo was not a repair but a re-spray. As it was both indoors and out, it required great attention to detail and no small amount of skill. 

Internal and external re-colour of a conservatory by Magicman Colin 

Resurfacing a tired and worn item can breathe new life into it, restore its original condition, change its colour to something fresh and exciting or when applying the right coatings (and Magicman are licensed to apply several) protect it and extend its useful life.

All Magicman technicians are fully trained in re-spraying and resurfacing techniques as part of their ‘bag of tricks’ and can treat anything from sanitaryware to window frames to entire building facades. Protective coating can be applied to hard surfaces including glass, to protect against graffiti or in the case of ships or coastal properties, atmospheric corrosion. 

This month’s competition winner is Magicman technician Colin Harrison who re-sprayed a conservatory and gave it new colour scheme to better compliment its environment. 

To re-spray properly is a skill in itself and many things can go wrong if not handled by a professional but preparation plays a big part in its success. A great deal of attention to detail is necessary when masking a structure properly and in this example, Colin re-coloured the conservatory internally and externally, so the masking had to be to an exemplary standard.

Re-spray of powder coated capping by Magicman technicians Dean and Phillip

Re-spraying can often require teams of two or more people which Magicman can happily provide, we have more than 100 directly employed staff nationwide. This runner-up photo is of a collaborative effort from Magicman technicians Dean Price and Phillip Davies who re-sprayed a very long external powder coated surface. External masking efforts are often hampered by weather conditions and spraying requires great skill to maintain an even finish when forced to relocate every few feet during the application. 

Back indoors and re-colouring of another kind make up our remaining runners-up, both of which involve wood grain and require an eye for detail and an ability to colour match.

Edge on an island worktop repaired by Magicman technician James

Here is a common problem, a chip to the edge of a worktop. It was repaired and then the new surface was blended into the wood grain beautifully by one of our newest additions to the team, James Taggart. 

Of course chips and scratches are not the only damage that occurs to wood surfaces. They are also prone to burns and staining.Pictured below Magicman technician Luke Etherington demonstrates how to eliminate a ghastly black water stain to a fireplace lintel. You can imagine the irritation that such damage can cause on an item that is the natural focus of any room and such a relief that it can be restored without the need for a replacement.

Stain removed from a fireplace lintel by Magicman technician Luke

Well deserved congratulations to our winner and runners-up for November. All the entries in our competition are genuine repairs and are photographed by the technicians who perform those repairs. This month’s winner and runners-up were chosen by Stephen Shaw, Head Trainer at the Magicman Training Academy.

Come back next month for more incredible Before and After pictures or follow our company Instagram and Pinterest pages.

Magicman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicmanrepair/ 

Magicman on Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/magicmanrepairs/ 

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Burnt, blemished or bust but still unbeaten

The winners and runners-up in the Magicman Repair Photos of the Month for September 2016. 

Magicman repairs come in so many shapes, sizes and substrates that sometimes you need a picture to tell the story. Every day our restoration specialists are recording their work in camera and at the end of the month, Magicman CEO Mark Henderson selects the best and most unusual jobs for publication online in the form of our Repair Photo of the Month competition.  All photographs are taken by the people who performed the repairs and none are ever faked under any circumstances. 

Joint effort from winners Luke and Pete

September’s winner could be described as a ‘joint effort’ as it was a two man job to make this section where two work surfaces meet, appear invisible to the naked eye. Congratulations to Luke Etherington and Pete Butler for a seamless repair.

No longer a shoulder to cry on after a repair by Magicman

No less impressive are this month’s runners-up in no particular order. Thousands of enquiries about broken items come in to Magicman’s call centre but not many can be accurately described as bust. Until now! Not only did this figure need restoring but some complex colours and textures too. Luckily Magicman have a technician who stands out in this arena, John Hayes. 

Unsightly blemishes banished from a table top by Michael

Strictly speaking Magicman technicians are not French Polishers but it requires considerable skill to make unsightly marks vanish and return beautifully polished furniture back to it’s former glory. Well done to our second runner-up and relative newcomer Michael Daniels.

Many repair technicians are not hearth as good as Sean

This fireplace may not be first place but it reminds up that tiling and ceramics are among the many household hard surfaces Magicman can restore and they are not restricted to the bathroom and kitchen. Another feather in the cap for Sean Whiting who exemplifies time and again how multi-skilled Magicman technicians really are.

No worktop too blackened for repair technician Dean

Last but not least is that old staple - the burnt worktop. Boilers, ovens, microwaves, toasters, irons... there seems to be no end of kitchen appliances that scorch, blacken and burn kitchen worktops when they go wrong or are left on too long. Magicman technician Dean Robertson demonstrates how even the most ugly burns and scorch marks can be made a thing of the past while matching patterns and colours to the original finish.

Well deserved congratulations to our many winners and runners-up in a particularly busy month where the standard of entries is always high. Come back next month to see more winning entries or visit our Instagram page which hosts a growing gallery of Before and After photos of all kinds.

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