JOE LYONS
“I was never a big reader, and I’m not great on computers. But I hired surveyors and admin staff who were. You’ve got to know where you’re weak and bring in people who fill the gap.” Running a business like this hasn’t come without sacrifice. Lyons admits the long hours and relentless call-outs took a personal toll. “I missed a lot of my kids growing up. We were on call 24/7 – that was the deal with Marks & Spencer. I got called out on Boxing Day, on New Year’s Eve. That was the job.” But he doesn’t carry regret. “It’s the life I chose. I wanted to build something with a name. I wanted to achieve something – and I did. I still love it.” Today, Lyons works alongside his son, Dan, who joined the business after gaining a formal education in construction and project management. “He’s done it properly and he’s good. Better than me with tech and the paperwork too.” Advice to FMB members To fellow FMB members and small builders looking to stand the test of time, Lyons’ advice is practical: “Be reliable. Be honest. Dedicate yourself to the job. Your word is your bond – don’t break it.” Most importantly, don’t get blinded by big numbers. “Take on only what you can do properly. Know your limits. And if you say you’ll be there, be there.” At 45 years and counting, Lyons and his company are still setting the standard.
He also welcomes improved tax and regulatory oversight. “It used to open the door to scammers. People would deduct tax from workers, then disappear before paying HMRC. Now it’s harder to do that. “The rules are tighter, and the books are more transparent. That’s a good thing for everyone.” Professionalism over promises One of the biggest lessons Lyons shares – especially for newer business owners – is about scope and scale. “Only take on what you can manage. I’ve seen people say yes to £200,000 extensions without any plan for how to deliver it. They just see the number. That’s not business – that’s gambling.” He advises new firms to build their capabilities before chasing big contracts. “You need professional s
support. A surveyor, a decent admin set-up, proper insurance. You can’t run a serious operation off the back of a notepad and a mobile.” That’s not to say Lyons doesn’t appreciate the hustle. He believes it needs to be matched with structure.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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