Channel Welders has been part of Guernsey's construction scene for over six decades. When new owners Ross Le Cheminant and Rory Moriarty took the reins, they didn't just inherit a legacy — they chose to modernise it.

Ross Le Cheminant, co-owner of Channel Welders

The Company

Originally family-run, the business was recently taken over by Ross Le Cheminant and Rory Moriarty when the previous owner stepped back, entrusting them to take the company forward. With 21 on the tools and 4 in the office, they cover everything from bespoke handrails to structural frames, stainless steel, glass packages and industrial cladding.

Being based on Guernsey means one thing:

We have to be able to do everything.

The scope is wide, the market competitive and fast-moving. To stay ahead, Ross focused on one word: Efficiency.

Channel Welders team member welding structural steel in the workshop

The Turning Point

When Ross and Rory stepped in, the business was still running on systems dating back to the mid-80s. Paper-heavy processes. Manual job tickets. Handwritten timesheets. Manual invoicing. Duplicate entries. Split costs. And costs being missed from jobs altogether.

You had to be so vigilant. Thousands — even tens of thousands — could disappear in a heartbeat. And once that final invoice is sent, you've had it.
— Ross Le Cheminant

Invoicing alone could take a full week each month. Costs were split across jobs. Receipts were misplaced. Human error crept in. Cash flow became challenging. It wasn't a disaster — but it wasn't sustainable. They knew something had to change.

Making the Leap

Switching systems wasn't taken lightly. Would it work? Would the lads use digital timesheets? What if payroll went wrong?

Timesheets used to live in small green notebooks. Today, 95% of the team logs hours digitally. There's one old-school holdout — and the office supports him.

Cloud-based access now enables remote working when required, giving the business greater flexibility. Ross' advice to contractors hesitating?

Do it.

Channel Welders office showing PaperDrop login screen on monitor

What Changed

Quoting became faster because supplier pricing and job history are readily available. Invoicing dropped from a week to a couple of days. Every purchase order, every cost and every labour entry is tied directly to the job.

No duplicate tickets. No "mental timelines." No cabinet searching. Invoices are now precise and legible — leading to faster customer payment and improved cash flow.

Planning moved from memory and scribbled notes to a clear visual overview.

We're pretty much hitting every single date now.

And that matters — because reliability builds reputation.

The PaperDrop planner on screen at Channel Welders office

Accountant Approved

Channel Welders uses Xero, and their accountant was involved in the decision from day one. Today there is:

No lost paperwork
No chasing documents
Clear financial visibility and management insight
KPIs in focus, enabling stronger margin control and market growth potential

He loves it.

Jonathan Hale, Accounts Manager

Reviewing job data on multiple screens at Channel Welders office

Growth Without Chaos

Since taking over, Ross and Rory have increased staff numbers, added stainless steel and glass packages, secured larger bundled contracts, improved workshop flow and H&S standards, enhanced customer focus, and strengthened planning for sustainable long-term growth.

The ability to handle full steel and glass packages stopped them from losing bundled jobs. Digital systems didn't create growth — they made growth manageable.

Importantly, staff have embraced the improvements, contributing to better efficiency across the business.

Looking Ahead

Channel Welders are already using AI tools to assist with risk assessments and documentation. Compliance pressure in Guernsey may lag behind the UK — but they are preparing early. Because modern construction demands structure.

The Bottom Line

Channel Welders didn't go digital to look modern. They did it to stop losing margin, improve cash flow, save time, scale properly, compete in a growing market, and strengthen short, medium and long-term business planning.

It's made everything more efficient.
— Ross Le Cheminant

A 62-year-old business. Stronger than ever. And still evolving. If you're looking to modernise your contracting business like Channel Welders did, get in touch with PaperDrop.