The Beginnings of Ernest Cameron

Clint Whittaker is very busy manufacturing and constructing oak structures for customers across the country. I did, however, manage to catch up with Clint to ask a couple of questions on what he loves about Oak. 

• Could you describe in 3 words why you work with oak?

Versatility, aesthetics and longevity.

• How did it all begin?

I started fencing for the National Trust in the 80’s and then moved on to making oak gates in 1989. I soon realised that I could provide better quality oak products, to what was then offered on the market place, and at a much better cost.  My client base soon grew and I could see how popular oak gates were, so I decided to diversify and create oak porches as well. I instantly sold one of these to my customers and from then on the referrals started flooding in. At that point I knew I was definitely on the right track and could provide a superior product at a competitive cost to my customers. So from small acorns came large oak trees, pardon the pun, and I was asked to construct more complex buildings. Now my passion lies in delivering beautiful oak framed houses. And I am still proud that the quality is still far superior than many of our competitors and our costs are still very competitive. 

• How do you differ from your competitors?

We are different from our competitors because we manufacture everything in our workshop, so there is minimal time on site.  There’s no need to take huge machinery, creating mess and inconveniencing the client. All of our joints are mortice tenoned and pegged.

• What would be your dream oak frame building?

My dream building would be Little Moreton Hall.