City & Guilds Vocational Success Story  – Paul Rowley

Entrepreneur Paul Rowley, founder and Managing Director of Rowland Homes, is someone to watch out for.He’s not yet reached the heights of the City & Guilds Vocational Rich List yet, but he’s definitely on the right track. Rowley was recently awarded a prestigious City & Guilds Prince Philip Award by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Building and Construction industry.

After leaving school at 16, Rowley began his early career as an apprentice bricklayer, working for his father’s building company. But when the business folded, he suddenly found himself jobless and still unskilled. Undeterred by this setback, Rowley continued working as a labourer and went on to complete his apprenticeship with Poco Homes.

Showing clear signs of the Entrepreneurial DNA, Rowley continued to work full-time and pursue further education at college, gaining a City & Guilds certificate and an ONC in Building in 1985. With a few years
of valuable experience and a long list of clients, Rowley began recruiting other local tradesmen at the tender age of 19, forming a highly reputable gang with a good reputation.

Rowley, now a successful businessman in his own right, has accomplished the difficult transition from
small local business to major regional player. In 2005 its rapid progress earned Rowland Homes a top 50 ranking in the Sunday Times review of the UK’s fastest growing businesses.

Celebrating 15 years of trading and adding to the already impressive accolades, Rowley was named ‘Property Entrepreneur of the Year’ in 2004, 2005 and 2007 by Entrepreneur magazine. In 2006 Rowland Homes achieved a runner-up position in the ‘Best Residential Developer’ category in North West Business Insider’s Property Awards, and the company also claimed the 2006 Your New Home property award for ‘Best Luxury Development’, for its Lytham venture, Fairlawns.

Having completed more than 60 developments to date, aimed at first time buyers in Liverpool, Rowley currently has ten live sites with a further four due to launch in the second half of 2008. With a turnover climbing towards £60 million, Rowland Homes is a true indication that phenomenal success can be achieved through hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit. 

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Find out about the vocational billionaires and millionaires who made this year's City & Guilds Vocational Rich List