Over the years GT Contractors builders in Brighton have been developing, restoring, building and decorating properties all over Sussex, one brick at a time. Varying from family homes to barns, nightclubs, stables and offices, there are examples of the company’s master craftsmanship throughout the county.
With an impeccable reputation, a growing team and a seemingly never-ending amount of redevelopment taking place along the coast, owner Gary has found a recipe for success that has lasted the test of time. Now in higher demand than ever before, Absolute caught up with the gaffer to understand exactly how he has built his empire.
GT Contractors has been established for nearly three decades. How did it all begin?
I started out going to college and gaining my City and Guilds in Carpentry and Joinery and my advance craft qualifications. I worked on many sites up and down the country and learning my trade, and soon found myself working on my own projects. My work load soon increased and as my reputation for quality work spread, I soon became inundated with work and enquires. GT Contractors was formed in 1990 and we have continued to grow ever since.
How has your company grown to be where it is now? What has contributed to your success?
Our success is a result of providing high standards of work at reasonable prices, customer relations are important to us. We are a family-run business and have plenty of experience in all aspects of the building industry. From refitting/refurbishing night clubs to loft conversions, extensions and full house refurbishments. We have recently built a driving range at Piltdown Golf Club, a detached house in Henfield and a block of flats in Haywards Heath.
At what point did you recognise the success of your business?
You are only as good as your last job and this is why I strive to keep the standards high at all times.
Being a recognised company, please name a few of your clients or brands that you do business with?
We work with a lot of architects and property developers and we have been associated with FMB, Guild of Master Craftsmens and are a registered house builder with the NHBC.
The team must be pretty large these days. How many people are now part of the machine?
Our team has grow over the years, but we are now currently at 12 full timers and sub contractors, most of which have worked with us for a number of years and continue to do so.
And where are you sourcing your materials? Is there an eco-angle?
We use various builders and timber merchants and always use recycle centres to dispose of our waste. We have installed Solar panels, air source heat pumps and heat exchange units.
Do you offer placements or apprenticeship programmes throughout colleges and universities?
We currently have two apprentices at the moment, 1 carpenter and 1 plumber, both of whom are at college in Brighton.
What projects/ventures have you got going on at present?
We are just finishing two large house refurbishments in Hove, one of which has been on going for some time, but the end product is stunning. Photos will be uploaded to our website soon!
Which project/s are you really excited about?
We are looking at a development in central Brighton at the moment with a local property developer. Watch this space….
Why are you different to other businesses within your industry? What can your clients expect from you?
We are a family-run business with over 25 years experience in a wide variety of building work, we are honest, hard working and reliable.
Without giving any personal information out, how have you or your business dealt with seemingly impossible clients?
Every business suffers difficult clients at time to time, there is no right way and wrong way to deal with it. We sit down with all our clients and try to resolve any issues they or we might have.
How has the city of Brighton helped your business? Do you feel Brighton’s high creativity levels have contributed to your success?
Brighton is a vibrant city and is forever changing, There is never any shortage of building work. As I have said before, if you are reliable, honest, hard working and the end product is good, word quickly spreads.
