Time-served builder David Mitchell started his own business in 1996 when the company he had previously worked for closed down. It’s a decision he has never regretted and D. Mitchell & Sons now has two employees and undertakes a wide variety of building projects throughout East Lothian.

No job is too large or too small and David has won a widespread reputation for the three cornerstones of his business – quality workmanship based on years of experience and expertise, competitive prices and an after-sales service second to none. Being a small business also means being able to respond and adapt to ever-changing market requirements and the company offers a complete service from design – working from existing drawings or directly with the client’s architect - through to build completion and certification. More routinely, Mitchell’s also undertakes repairs, alteration and extension work (including roofing) and estimates are free. David finds extensions particularly rewarding and takes great pride in ensuring new extensions are completed without compromising the character and integrity of the existing building. That said, one of his current projects involves an ancient monument - completing foundations for new gas torches at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle.

David’s wife, Susan, looks after the administration and accounts side of the business and is also on hand to solve snagging problems that can occur with new build. Running a successful small business is dependant on word of mouth recommendation, which in turn is down to quality of workmanship and competitive pricing. And being local, David’s friends, neighbours and acquaintances are also his customers. The Mitchell family is well known in the area – David and Susan’s two sons play rugby for the local Haddington club, and in his spare time David enjoys walking and photography.

There’s also another side to David Mitchell. At the same time he started the business in 1996, he also joined the retained Fire Service. Retained fire fighters, like David, are men and women who do ordinary jobs but are ready to go on a ‘shout’ as and when necessary. And when the call comes, they become part of a dedicated team that is ready to face any emergency. They may be ‘part-time’ but retained fire fighters are highly trained and capable people in the front line, ready and willing to save lives and serve the community.

Employing a local firm like Mitchell’s gives clients the reassurance of knowing their project will be in safe hands and that if anything unexpected does happen, there’s an efficient and swift after-sales service to rectify the problem. It’s a business that delivers what it promises – and that’s what underpins its continued success.