Big Love For Charlbury Contractors

Meet Sophie Mansell, Director at Charlbury Contractors.

Charlbury Contractors is a family run business in the heart of Worcestershire with 20 years experience across all areas of the building industry. They bring knowledge and a wealth of inspiration to all projects. Their unrivalled multi-disciplinary team are friendly, reliable and most importantly dedicated to delivering excellence.

Sophie began her self-employed journey as a beautician, running a successful beauty business from her home in Worcester. After several fulfilling years in the industry, she decided to transition into the family business; a move that allowed her to combine her experience with her passion for helping others create their perfect living spaces.

As a mum to two young children, achieving a healthy work-life balance is incredibly important to Sophie. Working within the family business gives her the flexibility she needs while allowing her to contribute to something she truly loves.

As part of Big Love For Small Business, we asked Sophie the following questions …

Why did you start your business?

Founded in 2021 upon the belief that creating your dream space, no matter how large or small, should be a simple, seamless process.

What motivates you to keep going in your business?

Having renovated our own homes for over a decade we thrive from helping our clients bring their vision for their home to life. We created our business to be able to do what we love whilst also having the flexibility of managing our own time to be with our young family.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner?

Our biggest challenges are finding people to join our team that share our pride and passion. The construction industry is crying out for more skilled tradesmen and we are in the process of working with HoW College to have input into the next generation of construction workers.

What are some of your proudest wins or achievements in your business journey?

Honestly taking the leap. We spoke about it for so long but taking that leap with no help or backing is the biggest achievement. Our proudest moments are every time the phone rings with another recommendation, other than sponsorships at our local golf course or village store we don’t advertise. Our business has ran for the last 4 years over happy clients spreading the word about us and it is the biggest compliment.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?

Go for it! What’s the worst that can happen. You go and find another job again. You have to find out what it’s like and once you do you won’t ever want to go back to someone else managing your time. Any business owner will tell you that it is 24/7 because you want to pick up that call or get back to that client at any hour because its all on you but for you at the same time. It will be the best decision you ever make.

What do you love doing in your free time?

We love being able to be there for the children which we couldn’t do for so many years whilst employed. So all the golf lessons and skating lessons, getting to be on the side cheering them on is something we never take for granted. That being said taking time away just the two of us to explore Europe and sip on a crisp glass of Chablis has been the best thing to come out of our business, not having to ask permission for time away!

What do you love most about our community?

Women Who have been there since the start of my journey as a self employed beautician. Through every step of the way arriving to any event to a warm welcome, a hot drink and being able to talk so freely about both business and personal has been a fantastic support.

I came from a corporate world originally where networking was all 60 second pitches and hitting targets. Women Who changed the whole concept of networking for me. It is a community of women who will leave you feeling so uplifted. No other networking community will compare.

What would you say to someone considering joining our community?

Ignore everything you ever heard about ‘networking’ and join this thriving community. What Lisa has built is like nothing else out there. The wealth of knowledge within this group is second to none.

Ways to connect with Sophie

Email: charlburycontractors@gmail.com

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