Posts

Image
 Craftsmanship and Precision: Grace Pillar Clock Completed for Muswell Hill Golf Club At Good Directions Ltd , we take pride in manufacturing and hand-finishing every timepiece with a commitment to quality that reflects our British heritage. The latest example of this dedication is the recently completed Grace pillar clock , designed and built for Muswell Hill Golf Club. This elegant freestanding pillar clock is a beautiful new feature for the historic course, established in 1893. With its refined details and robust structure, it brings both charm and function to the setting. The piece features a sturdy cast iron column supporting a lightweight yet durable GRP dial box and top signage, making it suitable for long-term outdoor installation in all weather conditions. Each side of the clock boasts a crisp white acrylic dial with classic black Roman numerals, paired with gold vinyl lettering that highlights the club's name and founding year. The striking "Lawson’s TIME" bran...
Image
  Good Directions Ltd. Deepens Commitment to UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development Good Directions Ltd., a leading UK manufacturer of architectural products, is proud to announce its enhanced commitment to the United Nations' Global Goals for Sustainable Development. By integrating these goals into its operations and business strategy, the company aims to make a positive impact on people, the planet, and prosperity. The company's efforts focus on several key areas: Climate Action (Goal 13): Through a partnership with Carma, Good Directions is actively contributing to reforestation efforts, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainability across its supply chain. This collaboration has already resulted in the planting of 12 trees in the UK and 1,210 trees internationally, creating 13 workdays for tree planters, including veterans. Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12): Good Directions ensures that its prod...
Image
Alan Gingell, Managing Director of Good Directions Ltd,  Joins the Esteemed British Horological Institute Good Directions Ltd is thrilled to announce that its Managing Director, Alan Gingell, has become a member of the British Horological Institute (BHI), a prestigious organization established in 1858 to support excellence in the art and science of timekeeping. This milestone reflects Alan’s dedication to advancing horology and highlights his pivotal contributions to the industry. For more than three decades, Alan has led Good Directions Ltd to prominence as a premier designer and manufacturer of bespoke clocks, roof turrets, and architectural features. His leadership combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the industry while upholding the timeless principles of horological excellence. By joining the BHI, Alan aligns himself and the company with a community of skilled professionals committed to preserving and inn...
Image
  Good Directions Ltd Becomes a Member of the Prestigious British Watch and Clock Makers’ Guild Good Directions Ltd is delighted to announce its membership in The British Watch and Clock Makers’ Guild, a renowned institution supporting horologists and clockmakers across the UK since 1907. This membership underscores the company’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and maintaining the rich heritage of British clockmaking. The Guild serves as a vital network, fostering collaboration among professionals and promoting the highest standards of quality and integrity in watch and clock design, manufacturing, and restoration. Its members benefit from industry representation, skill development opportunities, and access to a community passionate about horology’s traditions and future. For over three decades, Good Directions Ltd has been at the forefront of creating bespoke clocks, roof turrets, and architectural features, serving a diverse clientele, including public institutions, ...

Good Directions Group Joins 'Heritage Crafts' to Preserve Traditional Skills

Image
Good Directions Group, a renowned British manufacturer of clocks, cupolas, metal guttering, and street furniture, is proud to announce its membership with Heritage Crafts, an organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting traditional craftsmanship in the UK. As part of this collaboration, Good Directions Group is committed to preserving at-risk crafts such as clockmaking, timber pattern making, and copper smithing—skills that have been the backbone of British manufacturing for centuries. By supporting Heritage Crafts, the company aims to help ensure these traditional trades continue to thrive for future generations. “We are passionate about craftsmanship and the skills that have been passed down through generations,” said Alan Gingell, Managing Director of Good Directions Group. “By joining Heritage Crafts, we’re not only acknowledging the value of these endangered trades but also taking proactive steps to keep them alive. Whether it’s the intricate art of clockmaking or the precis...

Good Directions Ltd Joins Forces with Carma to Drive Sustainability and Combat Climate Change

Image
  Good Directions Ltd, a leading British manufacturer of architectural products including clocks, cupolas, metal guttering, and street furniture, is proud to announce its partnership with Carma, a global environmental organization dedicated to planting trees and tackling climate change. This collaboration strengthens Good Directions’ commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. As part of this initiative, Good Directions has already funded the planting of 12 trees within the UK and 1,210 trees overseas , creating 13 workdays for individuals who plant these trees , including veterans. These efforts are not only helping to restore vital ecosystems but also supporting communities that rely on reforestation projects for income and opportunities. For every product sold, Good Directions will continue to plant a tree, furthering global reforestation efforts and reducing the carbon footprint of the company and its customers. “We are thrilled to partner with Carma to make...
Image
  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 ...
Image
  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...
Image
  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...
Image
  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...
Image
  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...
Image
  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...
Image
  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...
Image
  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...