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FAQ

Some of our most Frequently Asked Questions.

We often receive inquiries about our structural steel services and what clients can expect when working with us. Here are our most frequently asked questions. If you can’t find your answer here, feel free to contact us.

How quickly can we get it done?

The turnaround time depends on the size and complexity of the project. However, with over 15 welder-fabricators across three dedicated workshops and four installation teams, we have the capacity and expertise to complete your job as efficiently as possible—without compromising on quality.

Do you offer site installation?

Yes, our four dedicated installation teams handle on-site assembly and installation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. We work closely with site managers and contractors to ensure every project is delivered and installed to the highest standards.

Are you BS EN 1090 accredited?

Yes, we are BS EN 1090 accredited, meaning all our structural steelwork complies with the mandatory UKCA and CE Marking process. This ensures our products meet strict UK and European standards for safety, reliability, and performance.

What types of projects do you undertake?

We specialize in a wide range of structural, stainless steel, and architectural metalwork projects, including:

Portal frame buildings
Mezzanine floors & staircases
Access platforms & walkways
Canopies, balustrades & bespoke steel fabrications
Pipework & installations for the water industry

Whether you need a one-off custom fabrication or a large-scale structural steel project, we have the expertise to deliver.

Do you work with both commercial, industrial, and domestic clients?

Yes, we work with clients across multiple industries, including construction, food production, industrial refrigeration, water treatment, and bespoke architectural design. We also handle small one-off jobs for individual domestic customers, providing high-quality craftsmanship for personal projects. Our past commercial projects include work for Morrisons Supermarkets, Cranswick plc, R N Wooler Ltd, Sure Solutions, J Carey Design, Stortec Ltd, and Powerrun.

How do I get a quote?

You can contact us directly via phone or email with your project details. If needed, we can arrange a site visit to assess the scope of work and provide an accurate quote.

What qualifications and competencies do your operatives have?

All our welders are coded, ensuring they meet the highest industry standards for welding and fabrication. Additionally, our site operatives are fully qualified with PASMA, IPAF, and CSCS certifications. This guarantees that our team is equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to carry out work safely and to the highest standards, whether on-site or in the workshop.

How far do you work?

We have carried out installations throughout the UK, and our expertise extends beyond national borders, with machinery installations completed worldwide. No matter the location, we are equipped to manage and execute projects with the same high standard of quality and efficiency, ensuring timely and professional delivery, wherever your project is located.

Do you offer bespoke design services?

Yes, we specialize in bespoke design for both structural steelwork and architectural metalwork. Our draftsman, Richard Greenhalgh, works closely with clients to design and create custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring every project is executed to perfection.

Can you help with project management?

Absolutely! We offer full project management services, from design and fabrication to installation. Our experienced team works closely with clients, contractors, and site managers to ensure every phase of the project runs smoothly on time, and within budget.

Do you offer any warranties on your work?

Yes, we provide warranties on our fabrication and installation work. The specifics of the warranty depend on the scope of the project, but we stand behind the quality of our work and are committed to customer satisfaction.

How do you ensure safety on-site?

Safety is a top priority at BOS. All our site operatives are trained in health and safety protocols, and we comply with all relevant regulations. We conduct site-specific risk assessments and toolbox talks before commencing work to ensure a safe working environment for both our team and your staff.

How can I stay updated on the progress of my project?

We keep clients informed at every stage of the project through regular updates and site visits. Our project managers are always available to answer any questions and provide progress reports, ensuring you are in the loop throughout the process.

What finishes do you offer?

We offer a variety of finishes to suit your project needs:

Bare Steel
Primer Painted
Galvanized
Powder Coated
Painted to any colour you like

Additionally, we provide a polishing service for stainless steel, ensuring a high-quality, smooth, and aesthetic finish for any stainless-steel components. In our architectural metalwork, we also offer a patina finish, allowing for a unique, aged look to the metal that adds character and depth to the design.
Whatever your requirements, we can deliver the perfect finish for your project.

Can Butterfield of Skipton (BOS) move shipping containers with its lorry-mounted crane?

Yes, BOS can move shipping containers using our 18-tonne flatbed lorry equipped with a crane. The crane has a working radius of nearly 20 meters and can lift over 10 tonnes in certain configurations, making it suitable for moving standard shipping containers.
However, the feasibility of moving a container depends on several factors, including weight, size, access restrictions, and lifting points. If you need a container moved, please get in touch with us with details, and we’ll assess the job to ensure it can be done safely and efficiently.

What size shipping containers can Butterfield of Skipton (BOS) lift and transport?

BOS can lift and transport standard 10-foot and 20-foot containers onto the flatbed of our 18-tonne lorry with a mounted crane for delivery or relocation.
For larger containers, we can use the same crane-equipped lorry to lift them onto our flatbed trailer attached to our articulated lorry for transport.
However, site constraints such as space, ground conditions, and lifting distances must be assessed beforehand to ensure safe and efficient operations. If you need a container moved, contact us with the details, and we’ll review the feasibility of the job.

What types of metals do you work with?

We work with a wide range of metals to suit various project needs:

Mild Steel
Stainless Steel
Aluminium (Structural and Architectural)

For our architectural metalwork, we also work with:

Brass
Copper
Zinc

Whether for structural steel or bespoke architectural designs, we have the expertise to handle these metals and deliver high-quality results tailored to your project.

Do you offer cladding services?

Yes, we provide cladding installation services for both industrial and commercial projects. Whether it is for a new build or a refurbishment, we can supply and install metal cladding to meet your specifications, ensuring durability, aesthetic appeal, and compliance with industry standards.

Do you install metal deck flooring?

Yes, we specialize in metal deck flooring installations. We have the expertise to install metal decking systems for both structural and aesthetic purposes, providing strong and reliable flooring solutions for various types of buildings.

Do you offer machinery removals and installations?

Yes, we have extensive experience in machinery removals and installations. Whether you need to move heavy machinery within a facility or install new equipment, we have the equipment, expertise, and experienced team to carry out the work safely and efficiently.

What is contract lifting?

We provide contract lifting services, which include everything from planning and risk assessment to the actual lift itself. We have qualified lift supervisors and crane operators to ensure every lift is carried out safely and efficiently. Our service covers both light and heavy lifting, depending on the scale of the project.

Do you handle both light and heavy transport for machinery?

Yes, we offer light and heavy transport services for machinery and equipment. Our fleet of vehicles is equipped to handle machinery and other large items, ensuring they are safely transported to their intended locations, both within the UK and internationally.

Do you offer just the metal fabrication, or do you provide installation as well?

We offer flexible services depending on your needs. We can supply the fabricated metalwork and leave the installation to you or your team. Alternatively, if you have already arranged for the fabrication elsewhere, we can install other companies’ work on your behalf. We can also provide labour-only services, sending our skilled operatives to assist with the installation or other tasks as required. Whatever your project needs, we are here to offer the level of support that suits you.

What type of welding do you do?

We offer a range of welding services, both in our workshops and on-site, to meet the needs of each project. Our capabilities include:

MIG Welding
TIG Welding
MMA (Arc) Welding

Additionally, for our architectural metalwork, we also carry out brazing, allowing for strong and precise joints in certain decorative and structural elements. Whether the job is structural, architectural, or custom, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver high-quality results.

How much experience do you have?

With over 100 years of combined experience, Butterfield of Skipton (BOS) has built a reputation for quality and expertise. The company was founded in 1965, with Alan Butterfield involved from the start, and Zac Butterfield, who started his apprenticeship in 2002, joined the family business in 2010.

In addition to Zac and Alan’s extensive experience, we have several key team members with decades of expertise:

Richard Dudman, our main estimator, joined BOS in 2019 after running his own fabrication company and has over 40 years of experience.
Richard Greenhalgh, our draftsman, has over 10 years of experience in his role and previously worked in various other roles within the industry.
Elliott Halstead, our stainless-steel fabrication and architectural steel supervisor, joined BOS in 2019 with over 15 years of industry experience.
Chris Fell and Tom Booker, who joined BOS in 2012 as general operatives, now serve as our structural steel workshop supervisor and site supervisor, respectively, and have over 20 years of combined experience.

This total of over 100 years of experience across our key team members allows us to consistently deliver high-quality results across all our projects.

Do you work with architects and other professionals?

Yes, we regularly collaborate with architects, engineers, and other industry professionals to deliver high-quality solutions. We are happy to work alongside your project team to ensure everything is fabricated and installed to meet all necessary standards.

Do you offer design services for custom projects?

Yes, we provide design services for custom projects. Our experienced team of designers and engineers works closely with clients to create tailored solutions for a wide range of structural and architectural metalwork needs. Whether it is a bespoke staircase, platform, or industrial structure, we can bring your vision to life while ensuring it meets all necessary regulations.

What is the capacity of your workshops and yards?

At Butterfield of Skipton (BOS), we have more than four workshops, totalling over 1000 sqm of space. Additionally, we have two yards with a further 1500 sqm, allowing us to manage large-scale projects efficiently while maintaining the flexibility to handle smaller, bespoke jobs.

What kind of fleet and haulage capacity do you have?

We employ two full-time drivers and operate a diverse fleet to fulfil all your haulage needs. Our fleet includes:

6 service vans
2 flatbed pick-ups
1 Luton van
1 x 12-ton flatbed truck
1 x 18-tonne flatbed lorry equipped with a crane, with a working radius of nearly 20m and capable of lifting over 10 tonnes in certain configurations
1 x articulated HGV with a curtain sider, extendable flatbed trailer, and low loader

All our vehicles are Euro 6 compliant, in keeping with today’s current emissions expectations. With this comprehensive fleet, we can accommodate a wide range of transport and haulage requirements.