Work on your business, not just on site: Pete Bird’s journey
When I first spoke to Pete Bird about why he started his business, what he said really stuck with me.
'I started my own business because I wanted to do things properly,” he told me. “I’d worked for a big firm where it was all about rushing jobs and not really caring about the client. That just didn’t sit right with me.'
That 'why' has shaped everything he’s done since. Pete set up Pete Bird Property Maintenance Ltd six years ago, and like most builders who go out on their own, he spent the early years flat out on site, trying to keep all the plates spinning. Over time, though, he’s stepped back and started making space to think. Not just about the work itself, but about how the business runs and how it feels from the client’s side.
Since I first met Pete when he joined the FMB in early 2024, I’ve seen that shift really gather pace.
The showroom: a sign of growth done right
Pete’s just opened his first showroom in Peterborough. It gives customers a place to see his work and get a feel for what he offers. But more than that, it’s proof of how far the business has come and how it’s been thought through, planned, and delivered in exactly the same way he runs his jobs: properly.
Pete runs the business with Evelina, who plays a key role in keeping everything moving. Together, they’ve invested heavily in their personal and business growth, through the Entrepreneurs Circle, its masterplan, and working with a business coach.
Having a coach, Pete says, has been a key part of making everything a success. It’s given him ideas, strategies, and the accountability to make changes stick.
of Pete and his team.
Five lessons from Pete’s journey
- Know your 'why' and use it every day
Most business owners can’t even explain why they do what they do, which is why their marketing feels vague and their growth stalls. A clear “why” becomes your north star for every decision, from the type of customer you work with to how you price and deliver your jobs. - Invest in yourself relentlessly
Most business owners stop learning once they’re busy. The ones who grow keep learning through coaching, training, and peer groups because they know the business will only grow as fast as they do. - Work on the business, not just in it
Most business owners only think about the job in front of them. That’s why they stay stuck on the tools. Protect time to step back, plan, and improve how the business runs – from systems and processes to marketing and sales. - Map the customer journey
Most business owners only see things from their own perspective. Your customers see it very differently – they feel every touchpoint from first enquiry to aftercare. Map your customer's journey, fix the weak spots, and make every stage consistent and reassuring. - Get help before you think you need it
Most business owners wait until they’re drowning before they bring in help. Outsourcing is cheaper than hiring and it frees you to focus on the things that really grow your business – like finding the right customers, building your reputation, and creating the systems to deliver great work every time.
Pete’s proud to carry the FMB badge, and we're proud to have him as a member. His story shows that when you combine a clear purpose with the right investment in yourself and your business, growth becomes inevitable.
What’s your next move?
Pete’s results didn’t happen by accident. They came from knowing his 'why', investing in growth, and building strong systems with the help of a business coach. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, the FMB offers business resources and support to make it happen.
Authors
Nicola De Sousa
Nicola has a wealth of first-hand knowledge of construction matters, having been at the helm of an FMB member company for nearly 20 years.
