Meet David Plummer, the owner of DP Construction & Interiors

Hello David  👋 Tell us about DP Construction & Interiors, what do you do?

Our main business is refurbishment, interior fit-out and maintenance. We undertake carpentry, dry lining and most general building tasks in-house. My team are subcontractors mostly, but we all regularly work together so usually I find the work and my close team follow me up and carry out the work. I also have a contractor base of specialists if we need them.

I run DP Construction & Interiors so I am the face of the business! I look after our clients, I do the pricing work and find the leads. Occasionally I do the actual physical work too but, at the moment, I spend most of my time running the other side of the business.  

That sounds very exciting, and very busy! What motivated you to start the company?

I originally started my career in the building trade 20 years ago working in builders’ yards. I then worked my way into working for large commercial contractors working on some very large projects in junior roles. As time went by, I worked my way up through the different companies and ranks to being promoted to a senior position. 

Then a few years ago, I was sadly made redundant and decided to start on my own. In May 2019, I founded DP Construction & Interiors. It seemed like a good idea as I have all the contacts and experience, I haven’t looked back since.

When you were made redundant, what made you decide to just go for it rather than going back to a full time job? 

To be honest, I had been running another business for a few years before in a director role. I knew I could bring in the work and had the contacts and skills. 

It was not because of me that the last business failed, so I decided it was time that I did it on my own. 

I have had a lot of support from family, but DP Construction & Interiors is definitely all my own doing

Did you have support from friends, family or industry contacts?

It was most definitely a solo effort setting everything up and getting going, but my former colleagues have been very good with passing work my way. I have had a lot of support from family, but it’s definitely all my own doing.

What has been your biggest challenge/doubt since starting your business?

For me at the start it was wondering if I had done the right thing with Covid 19 hitting just as I was getting going, it was definitely a challenge, to say the least being a new business then. 

Since June last year though, things have been exceptionally busy so I haven’t looked back.

I love being my own boss and doing the projects that I am passionate about as well as meeting new clients

What do you love most about your company and being a small business owner?

I love being my own boss and doing the projects that I am passionate about as well as meeting new clients. It certainly helps to be approachable and know your clients. 

We know how daunting managing and overseeing projects can be for our clients, but we’re here to make the process smooth and easy with great results.

Your clients are at the centre of your business and they all have unique needs. Do you have a favourite project?

My favourite project to date has been Mrs Potts Chocolate Shop in Bristol. It was a completely empty unit when we started and it looks amazing now. We did absolutely everything ourselves in-house, including making all the bespoke shelving and counter. 

Just be sure the market is there for what you want to do and remember everyone is a potential customer

Do you have any top tips for other business owners or those looking to start up their own business in the construction industry?

Don’t do it! Seriously though it’s very rewarding when it gets going. 

I guess my top tip would be to be approachable and respectful of people no matter what their position or manner is. You rely on having a good client base and a good group of workers over anything else and that comes with being respectful. It’s very hard work at times, long days and stressful but if you want to do it, go for it. 

Just be sure the market is there for what you want to do and remember everyone is a potential customer.

The online customer service is particularly good and it’s so simple to use when on the move like I am all the time

How did you hear about Tide? Why did you choose us?

Tide appealed to me because of the simplicity of setting up an account. I had just started my business and it seemed like the right choice. Within an hour, I had a business account ready to go, so what could be better?

The online customer service is particularly good and it’s so simple to use when on the move like I am all the time. I recently upgraded to Tide Plus which has been even better.

How do you use Tide for the running of your business?

I mostly use Tide on my mobile or tablet but I am always using my card and making transactions on the move. 

My Tide is linked to Xero so I don’t use the Tide accounting but it is still handy to have. 

In general, I like how easy things are to do, yet very secure with fingerprint and security code confirmations.

Connect with DP Construction & Interiors

• Visit the website: https://www.dpconstructionandinteriors.co.uk/
• Follow them on Instagram: @dpcibristol
• Facebook: @dpconstructionandinteriors
• Twitter: @DPCI13