MUTA exists to raise and protect industry standards, promoting best practice throughout the temporary structures industry. Big or small, traditional or cutting-edge, we’re immensely proud of the range of services our members provide.
Each month we profile one of our members to celebrate their work and get under the skin of their business. This month we’re getting to know ...
J & J Carter Ltd
What does your company do?
J & J Carter are well known for supplying marquees, replacement covers, and Keder to the marquee rental and allied industries. But more importantly over time, we have diversified into Textile Architecture, permanent construction projects, industry and environmental textiles. We process approx. 125,000m2 per annum of textile.
How old is your company?
Formed in March 1988; however our Managing Director and founder, Mr John Carter, has over 50 years in the trade, and perhaps one of the very few who did an apprenticeship within the industry. Both sons Robert and Charlie are Directors and 5th Generation Tent Builders within the family.
Where are you based?
The membrane factory and office reside in Basingstoke, Hampshire whilst our metal works reside the Meon Valley in south east Hampshire. We serve clients world-wide.
How many people are part of your business?
We have 20 employees in total, however during the peak time this may increase to cope with the demands.
What do you consider to be your speciality or unique selling point?
Whilst we offer “standard” products; which to be fair any company can do. We take on a lot of special requirement work; which our competitors are not set up to undertake. We provide the client what they require which more than normally involves in designing and engineering a solution.
Who do you admire within the industry?
We admire those who are self made, started their businesses from nothing and have survived the difficult times.
WWhat does being a MUTA member mean to you?
MUTA produces fellowship amongst its membership. MUTA holds the industry together as a united force when negotiating with Government departments which is important to the SMEs.
Any exciting company news?
Despite the economic disaster of 2009, we have become more innovative and diversified. Our core markets have improved immensely this year, to the point our Textile Architecture division is completing an installation every month through autumn and winter which is normally our off peak season. This year we will have installed tensile membrane structures at Airports, Sports & Health Clubs, Hospitals and Educational facilities.
Through diversification we have assisted in the clear up operation in the Gulf of Mexico by manufacturing over 10kM of oil spill booms. We other customers in similar fields now talking to us about using tensile membranes in exciting and novel applications.
The above image is
The North Stand at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow. Some 55 tonnes of structural steel combined with over 1400 sq.m of PVC Tensile fabric membrane. This structure provides cover to 1200 spectators.