INTERVIEW SAFET MUSTAFAJ
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Safet Mustafaj of S & M Solutions Ltd reflects on the shifts he’s seen and the choices he’s made that have shaped his company over the last decade YEARSON
T en years leading a business is no small feat, especially in a sector as dynamic as the UK’s construction industry. For Safet Mustafaj, Managing Director of London-based S & M Solutions Ltd, the past decade has taught him resilience and the value of doing things the right way. Since founding the business, Mustafaj has seen major shifts, from evolving client expectations and regulatory tightening to the unpredictability of economic cycles. A recurring challenge, he notes, has been bridging the gap between cost and value. “There’s been a push for more for less,” he says. “That led to undercutting and disappointing results. We’ve stayed focused on quality, choosing projects carefully and educating clients about long-term value.” That strategic narrowing of focus has helped S & M Solutions stay stable – even when the market hasn’t been. “We’ve built a reputation for high-quality design-and- build projects with a personal hands-on approach. That’s what brings clients back.” For Mustafaj, riding out material shortages, cost spikes, and labour instability comes down to smart job selection and lasting relationships. “It’s easy to cut corners
Compliance, standards, and complex jobs can feel like obstacles, but for Mustafaj, they’re part of building well. “You can’t deliver a great project if it doesn’t meet the right standards,” he says. “Having full oversight helps us manage complexity and spot issues early.” That control allows for better communication. “Clients want clarity, not to be caught between designer, builder, and supplier. We align everything.” With 10 years behind him, Mustafaj shares pragmatic advice: “Don’t chase every job. The right work comes when you stick to your standards. Build slow, build solid. Reputation is everything – and you earn it job by job.” Visibility matters too. “You can be great, but if no one knows about you, it doesn’t count. Invest in a strong website and showcase your work.” When it’s time to grow, back yourself. “Take calculated risks. Be clear on who you are and the kind of work you want to be known for. Then protect that – whatever the market does.” S & M Solutions has carved out its space not by chasing trends, but by staying true to its principles. The next chapter, Mustafaj says, will build on that solid foundation.
when prices swing week to week. But we don’t. We focus on well-structured jobs, realistic budgets, and clients who get the importance of doing things properly.” People first From the start, S & M Solutions has invested in a stable, skilled workforce. “Quality starts with who you work with,” he says. “We’ve built a core team who share our values and take pride in their work. We’re not chasing headcount, we’re focused on trusted relationships.” While qualifications like CITB-recognised NVQs are valued, character counts too. “It’s about accountability, team spirit, and caring about the job.” That people-first approach pays off in retention. “Our sites are well-run, communication is clear, and people are treated fairly. That’s why they stay.” Looking back, two decisions stand out. First: avoid competing on price. “We prioritised quality and accountability early on. Growth was slower, but we avoided jobs that fall apart once you’re in them.” Second: embrace the full design-and- build model. “Controlling the whole process gave us better outcomes and attracted clients who wanted a joined-up team.”
Master Builder 22
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