18/07/2026
Someone asked me recently, "Who's your biggest competitor?"
Without even thinking, I replied...
"Myself."
That probably wasn't the answer they were expecting, but it's the truth.
I don't spend my time worrying about what other businesses are charging, what they're posting on Facebook, or how many jobs they're doing. I genuinely wish anyone who's willing to work hard the very best. Running a business isn't easy, and anyone putting in the effort deserves respect.
The person I compete with is the bloke I was yesterday.
Can I communicate better with my customers? Can I produce an even higher standard of work? Can I be more organised, more reliable, more efficient? Can I leave every customer happier than the last one?
That's what drives me.
When I started smithy’s scaffolding services LTD, I just wanted to build a business that people could trust. A business where customers knew I'd turn up when I said I would, be honest from the start, take pride in every job, and never cut corners. Every year I've learned something new. Every mistake has taught me a lesson. Every happy customer has pushed me to keep improving.
I'm far from perfect, and I never will be. But I'll never stop trying to be better.
Being self-employed isn't just about doing the work. It's the early mornings, the late nights answering messages, the paperwork, the quoting, the planning, the stress, and still turning up every day with a smile because people are trusting you with their homes.
Some days are tough. Some jobs don't go to plan. But I refuse to stand still.
So if you ask me who my biggest competitor is...
It's the version of me from yesterday.
Because if I can keep improving a little bit every single day, then I know smithy’s will keep growing for the right reasons.
To everyone who's supported us, recommended us, shared our posts, or trusted me to work in/on your home—thank you. You're the reason I keep pushing myself to be better every single day, and I genuinely appreciate every bit of support.
Here's to never settling and always improving. 💛 💙
