Starting UP

Q1 In a few words tell us a bit about your business?

At Furzedown Builders, we believe in turning houses into homes that reflect the unique style and needs of our clients. For years, our team have been helping families across the Wandsworth area transform their living spaces, from bespoke bathroom renovations to complete home makeovers.

Q2 What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to diversity and customer care. We’re proud to have a number of skilled female builders on our team, which is still rare in the industry. This brings a unique perspective to our projects, ensuring attention to detail and a collaborative approach that our clients love.

Additionally, we have a dedicated office team focused on providing exceptional customer service, offering guidance and support at every stage of the project. This combination of a diverse, talented team and a strong emphasis on customer care is what gives us our X-Factor.

Q3 What motivated you to set up in business?

Our director, Dawid, was motivated to set up Furzedown Builders after years of working as a sole trader. During that time, many of the jobs he took on involved fixing projects where other builders had either walked off-site or delivered work of a poor standard. This left customers frustrated and uncertain about who they could trust.

Dawid wanted to change that. He set out to build a firm that is not only transparent and reliable but also elevates the customer service experience. His goal was to ensure clients were kept informed and involved every step of the way. In addition, we’ve embraced a strong presence online, through social media and our website, giving customers a clear insight into our capabilities and work standards.

In addition to improving the customer experience, we also wanted to change the way the building industry approached its workforce. Many builders work with temporary or freelance contractors, which can lead to high turnover and inconsistency in work quality

At Furzedown Builders, we believe in treating our team like the valued professionals they are. That’s why we offer permanent contracts, providing our staff with stability and a sense of belonging, which in turn fosters loyalty and pride in the work they do. By creating a positive environment for our employees, we ensure that the quality of service remains high for every project we undertake.

Q4 What do you like most about working as a start-up?

As a start-up company, what we enjoy most is the opportunity to grow and evolve alongside our clients and community. Every project is a fresh challenge that allows us to push our creativity and expertise further. The excitement of seeing a transformation unfold, from initial design ideas to the final reveal, keeps us passionate about what we do.

Additionally, being a smaller team means we have the flexibility to provide a more personal and tailored service, building stronger relationships with our clients. Watching our reputation and client base grow through hard work and dedication is incredibly rewarding, and it motivates us to keep striving for excellence in every job we take on.

Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?

Our greatest success to date has been our rapid growth over the past 10 months. We started as a team of just two, working tirelessly without taking any wages, and have since expanded to a full-time team of five. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made in such a

This commitment to quality, and the trust our clients have placed in us.

Q6 What has been your lowest moment?

Our lowest point came when Dawid transitioned from being a sole trader and had to part ways with his previous business partner due to personal issues. It was a difficult and emotional decision, as it not only meant losing a valued working relationship but also seeing someone he cared about face such challenges.

However, this moment of adversity ultimately led Dawid to create Furzedown Builders. It became a turning point, motivating him to establish a company built on transparency, integrity, and a strong team ethos, which has shaped everything we do today.

Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?

In five years, we envision Furzedown Builders as a company with a significantly larger workforce, leading the way in transforming how the building industry is perceived— both by clients and by those who work within it. We aim to continue providing our employees with stable, rewarding careers that offer real opportunities for growth and progression.

At the same time, we want to instil greater trust and confidence in our clients, showing them that builders can be transparent, reliable, and dedicated to delivering high-quality work. Our goal is to set a new standard in the industry, one project at a time.

Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

Our advice to anyone thinking of starting their own business is simple: definitely go for it! But make sure you do your research thoroughly. Look into all the financial support options available, including grants and backing opportunities. There are also valuable mentoring programs offered by the government that can be incredibly helpful in guiding you through the process.

Most importantly, always respect your clients. A successful, long-term business is built on fairness and respect towards its customers, and that’s what will keep people coming back to you over the years.