Good Directions

  Good Directions Ltd Welcomes UTC Portsmouth Students for Work Experience   Last week, Good Directions Ltd welcomed its first two students from UTC Portsmouth for a hands-on introduction to the world of engineering. The placement allowed the students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects, offering them an invaluable glimpse into their potential future careers. The initial one-week placement is just the beginning of their journey with Good Directions Ltd. In 2025, these students will return for a month-long block of work experience, designed to further develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the industry. Alan Gingell, Managing Director at Good Directions Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the program: "Our partnership with UTC Portsmouth has been a great experience so far. The students have integrated well into our team, showing incredible enthusiasm and a real drive to learn. Their effort and adaptability have been truly impressive, and ...

  Rosalie Hoare Celebrates 30 Years at Good Directions Ltd December 1st, 2024   Good Directions Ltd. proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone as Rosalie Hoare, Marketing Director, marks her 30th anniversary with the company on December 1st. Rosalie, who began her journey with Good Directions as a Marketing Assistant, has since played an instrumental role in the company's growth, ultimately becoming Sales and Marketing Director and co-owner in 2021.   Joining Good Directions in 1994, with a Degree in Graphic Design from Portsmouth University, Rosalie began her career with a focus on client relationships and expanding the company’s market reach. Her passion for British manufacturing and commitment to quality have been key drivers in shaping Good Directions into the respected name it is today. As Marketing Director, Rosalie has collaborated with colleagues to launch numerous innovative products and initiatives, bringing the company's iconic exterior clocks, roof tu...

  Good Directions Ltd. Celebrates Dillon Earle earning a Distinction in his Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship   Good Directions Ltd. proudly congratulates Dillon Earle on completing his Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship, provided by PETA, with a Distinction grade. This outstanding achievement reflects Dillon’s dedication, skill, and the rigorous training he received through PETA’s program, combined with practical experience at Good Directions Ltd.  Throughout his apprenticeship, Dillon has demonstrated the value of hands-on learning, contributing to a range of projects involving the manufacture, installation and maintenance of exterior clocks, architectural features, and roof turrets - products for which Good Directions is known and respected. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, Dillon’s commitment to excellence has not only earned him a high academic distinction but has also made him an invaluable part of the Good Directio...

  Good Directions Ltd. Collaborates with University of Portsmouth and UTC Portsmouth to Support Local Engineering Talent through Help to Grow Programme   Good Directions Ltd., a leading British manufacturer specializing in architectural features, is excited to announce its involvement with the Help to Grow programme at the University of Portsmouth. Through this programme, the company has connected with UTC Portsmouth, an innovative educational institution in Portsmouth focused on providing students with a specialised curriculum in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM). UTC Portsmouth is dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers in engineering and related fields, offering a hands-on learning approach supported by state-of-the-art facilities and industry partnerships.   As part of this collaboration, Good Directions will be launching a product design competition for UTC Portsmouth students, giving them the opportunity to apply their creati...

  Good Directions Ltd. Collaborates with University of Portsmouth and The Plan B to Support Local Engineering Talent through Help to Grow Programme   Good Directions Ltd, a leading British manufacturer specialising in architectural features, is excited to announce its involvement with the Help to Grow programme at the University of Portsmouth. Through this programme, the company has had the opportunity to connect with The Plan B, a dynamic and hands on educational initiative in Gosport. As part of this collaboration, Good Directions will be visiting The Plan B, where students will showcase their skills by preparing a meal for the Good Directions team, a unique opportunity for everyone to connect and build lasting relationships.   This collaboration offers a fantastic pathway for students interested in engineering and fabrication, as Good Directions is looking forward to welcoming students for hands-on work experience and potential job opportunities. Through this i...

  Good Directions Ltd. Embraces Growth Through Portsmouth University's Help to Grow Business Management Course   Good Directions Ltd. is delighted to announce its participation in the Help to Grow Business Management course, a 12-week program by Portsmouth University aimed at empowering small and medium-sized businesses to strengthen and grow their operations. Through this course, the Good Directions team has gained invaluable insights into strategy, innovation, and operational improvements, paving the way for enhanced business performance and future growth. Since beginning the program, Good Directions has embraced new perspectives and tools to elevate its approach to business management. The course covers a range of topics essential to today’s business leaders, from effective marketing and sustainable practices to financial planning and leadership development. With expert guidance from Portsmouth University’s faculty and industry mentors, Good Directions has been able...

  Good Directions Ltd created a replica Big Ben clock for the exterior of the Regent Corps building in Uzbekistan. This 1600mm-diameter clock was housed in a square metal bezel, with bespoke hands to match the design of the famous clock. Additionally, the dial was back-illuminated, allowing the clock to light up and still be visible at night. The elegant golden bezel was powder-coated to match the intricate gold detail around the outside of the dial and centre of the clock, creating a regal aesthetic. The framework of the dial was produced on Good Directions’ waterjet cutter, allowing complex angles and shapes to be cut. The detail in the corners of the bezel are all hand-finished and meticulously copied to replicate the original feature. This gigantic clock was packed safely and securely before being sent overseas to Uzbekistan, where it is now running perfectly and ensuring workers and passers-by alike are keeping on time. Good Directions was first asked to manufac...

  Robert Owen feature clock project for the Co-op, Belper. Working closely with one of the Midlands leading design agencies ‘Mayers Design’ this year long project was one that would test and innovate. A feature clock to be installed in Belper, Derbyshire to commemorate the 250 th Anniversary of the Co-op and Welsh textile manufacturer, philanthropist, social reformer and a founder of the co-operative movement Robert Owen. In 1817 Robert Owen formulated the goal of an eight hour working day with the slogan: “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” And this is where the clock design was born. The concept was to have a 24 hour dial around the outside of the clock feature, broken up to show the eight hour day splits, with a singular red hand showing the time. Behind this would be two panels rotating in opposing directions with artwork depicting Robert Owen, only becoming clear as they align on the hour. Timber patterns and moulds were produced by our in-ho...

  Good Directions earns ‘Made in Britain’ accreditation   We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed the Made in Britain accreditation process. This prestigious certification is a testament to our long-standing commitment to British manufacturing. As the Membership Team of Made in Britain noted, "We are pleased to let you know we are happy to approve your application. I have watched many of your videos on YouTube and I have to say, the passion for what your organization produces, transmits through the videos." For over 36 years, we have proudly manufactured the majority of our products in-house here in the UK, using raw materials and third-party services sourced from carefully selected local suppliers whenever possible. Beyond our borders, we export our goods worldwide, each now bearing the official Made in Britain trademark - a symbol of our dedication to quality craftsmanship and British manufacturing excellence. This accreditation is an impor...

  Good Directions Ltd had the pleasure of manufacturing a bespoke GRP Clock Tower for a customer who had purchased a standard design previously from the company over 20 years ago. Although their existing was still working completely fine, the customer wanted a refresh and a new design too that was unique to them. After correspondence with the customer, it was decided Good Directions would manufacture a completely bespoke 900mm Bell Tower, complete with a clock in the base and feature columns. The Clock Tower was finished off with a lead effect sphere finial on the top. To be able to manufacture this bespoke Clock Tower Good Directions made a timber pattern and then a mould from the pattern to create the finished GRP tower. Good Directions chooses to create their Clock Towers out of GRP as it is the most beneficial option available in modern times. Not only does this help keep the cost down, but more importantly it keeps the weight down which helps massively with the installatio...

  Good Directions Ltd manufactured a bespoke 900mm Roof Turret complete with a Verdigris copper effect roof and gold painted finial on top, for a new build project by Rose Builders Ltd. Working from a drawing which was provided by the customer, this Cupola was to go onto a project in Essex where the builders were constructing 10 bungalows and wanted a unique roof feature that could be seen from each property. The builders wanted a traditional looking roof turret but without the hassle of painting and maintaining the tower once it was installed, so it was manufactured in GRP as a lightweight alternative with a much longer life span than using wood. Manufacturing a bespoke Roof Turret such as this one required a timber pattern to be made, from which a mould was then taken. This mould was then used multiple times to create each side of the roof turret, which were then assembled to create the finished tower. This Roof Turret had a tongue and groove base skirt, which is a distinct...

Good Directions LTD has launched a new Pillar Clock called the ‘Grace’ to add to its already impressive range of eight standard designs. The inception of this design came about by the company being asked to manufacture a more decorative pillar clock, which kept in line with their traditional designs and values but promised a more customisable design that could be used for promotional purposes. The shape and design of the ‘Grace’ took inspiration from their best seller the ‘Albert’ Pillar clock, with the base and middle section keeping the same design, but the dial box was redesigned for a more personal touch by adding “scroll” panels above and below the clocks suitable for adding sign writing. Manufacturing a Pillar Clock such as the ‘Grace’ not only allowed for signage to be a default option on this Pillar Clock, but it also allows customers to create synergy around existing design choices customers may have on their establishments. The ‘Grace’ is particularly popular among Golf C...