Rapid's History
- The company, Rapid Response Maintenance, was founded in 2006 by Michael Osborne and Paul Lebrett.
- There was a need then, as there still is today, for a reliable, fast, and communicative builder who shows up as scheduled, completes the work on the same day, and is capable of covering all trades.
- Rapid Response Maintenance was established to fill this void, leveraging the owners' extensive building experience and deep understanding of customer needs.
- Paul and Mike joined forces in the late 1990s, purchasing a large retail outlet in Colchester and starting the M&P Hardware Store. They then went on to acquire a well-known machine tool and power tool outlet in Colchester called Power Rewind.
- Around 2005, Paul and Mike expanded their partnership into the property service industry. This union led to providing property repair and maintenance services for assets managed and landlord-owned dwellings.
- In 2013, they secured their first large-scale tender for roofing, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth. This achievement not only demonstrated their capability to handle large projects but also solidified their reputation in the industry as a reliable and skilled provider of roofing services.
- In 2016, they constructed purpose-built offices and storage facilities to support future expansion.
- In 2020, they achieved a major milestone by winning the Tendring Voids and Reactive tender, which resulted in the company doubling in size. This significant contract not only expanded their operational capacity but also reinforced their position as a leading provider in the property maintenance and construction industry. The success of this tender showcased their ability to manage large-scale projects and their commitment to delivering exceptional service.
- In 2023, land was purchased for the next phase of Rapid Response Maintenance's expansion and growth. Plans for this new site include the development of new offices, storage facilities, a yard, and training faculties to support future operations.
- In 2023, a new management team was established to enhance the company's growth and effectiveness.



History of Paul and Michael
Paul and Michael each started their careers in different fields but with complementary skills.
Paul’s Journey
Paul began his career in 1986 as an apprentice electrician with Tendring Council. He later transitioned into shop and tool sales and also explored computer systems and software programming.
Michael’s Journey
Michael started in construction, mastering various trades including steel erecting, welding, general building, and carpentry. He then shifted to retail, using his family’s expertise to manage ‘Select & Save.’
The Partnership
Paul and Michael’s paths crossed due to their shared backgrounds in electrics and building. Recognising the potential of their combined skills, they teamed up to open M&P Hardware, initially Paul’s family shop. They later expanded their venture by opening Power Rewind. However, as the internet began to reshape the retail landscape and the recession hit, they identified a new opportunity in the maintenance industry. This shift led to the creation of Rapid Response Maintenance, where they applied their extensive experience to meet the growing demand for reliable property maintenance and construction services.

