Building Better Relationships in Construction: Why Approachability Matters More Than Ever at Graphite DBM

In construction, the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one rarely comes down to a drawing or a specification sheet it comes down to the relationship. How people communicate. How quickly problems get resolved. How willing your contractor is to pick up the phone, jump in the van, and sort things “the Yorkshire way”.

At Graphite DBM, being an approachable contractor isn’t a marketing line: it’s the foundation of how we work. It’s baked into our culture, our communication, and our decision-making. It’s why national brands trust us with repeat projects nationwide, and why our teams can turn potential issues into collaborative solutions rather than email tennis tournaments.

Honesty, Transparency and Yorkshire Values - The Core of Who We Are

Our recent awards submission says it perfectly: we combine “digital innovation with Yorkshire values to deliver high-quality projects… built on trust, transparency and a shared commitment to delivering excellence.” 

In a sector that often hides behind layers of hierarchy, formal letters, and three-day response windows, we do the opposite. We aim for:

• Straight-talking over sugar-coating

• Real conversations over faceless emails

• Speed over bureaucracy

• Accountability over excuses

• Human relationships over corporate distance

Clients tell us it’s refreshing and frankly, we think it’s long overdue in the industry.

When Emails Don’t Solve Problems: People Do

One of the best examples of this approach came during our Banbury project.

A design issue escalated into one of those classic industry scenarios: endless email threads, conflicting historic records, and a slow drift towards frustration. Instead of letting it snowball, our site team hit pause and did the most Graphite DBM thing imaginable:

They invited the design team and building control to site for a brew and a proper conversation.

No confrontation. No blame. No hiding behind written trails. Just people around a table, problem-solving like adults.

Within an hour, the issue was understood, agreed, and resolved and the project moved on without delay.

Moments like that are why clients keep coming back. It proves that construction doesn’t have to be adversarial. It can be collaborative, solutions-focused, and yes, even friendly.

A Culture That Puts People First (Not Processes)

Our approachability isn’t accidental, it’s cultural.

From day one, Graphite DBM has been built on trust, openness and humour as much as technical skill.

“There’s no red tape or ego — just a shared commitment to doing things properly and looking out for each other. Everyone has a voice, and direct communication is standard, not a perk.”

This internal culture naturally spills over into how we treat clients:

• We pick up the phone.

• We visit site.

• We involve decision-makers early.

• We tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

• We never disappear into inboxes.

Because the fastest way to build trust is to behave like a partner — not a supplier.

Approachability Meets Innovation

We’re proud to be known as down-to-earth, but approachability doesn’t mean old-fashioned.

Our digital tools, AI assistants, and real-time reporting systems keep projects efficient, but they don’t replace human connection, they enhance it. As our submission highlights, digital adoption has become our competitive edge, but the goal is always the same:

Make communication clearer.

Make collaboration easier.

Make projects smoother.

It’s the blend of great tech and great people that sets us apart.

Why This Matters to Our Clients

Because clients don’t just want a contractor who can build a drive-thru, forecourt, or modular unit. They want a contractor who:

• answers calls

• keeps them informed

• acts fast

• takes responsibility

• solves problems before they escalate

This is why national brands like Starbucks, Wendy’s, Greggs, Costa Coffee, Welcome Break and many more continue to trust us year after year.

Approachability is not soft, it’s strategic. It reduces friction, increases speed, and builds long-term partnerships rooted in mutual respect.

It's client feed back like this that confirms our focus and to these values work;

“Guys - I just want to express how pleased I am with the way Graphite (with Modular 500) are handling this project. It’s a refreshing train of thought for me to know every query / concern I have you seem to have preempted the answer and have it all under control. Tbf, credit where credit is due.”

The Bottom Line

Graphite DBM’s success: the growth, the national clients, the awards recognition hasn’t come from being the loudest or the biggest. It’s come from being the most human contractor in the room.

We’re approachable.

We’re transparent.

We’re honest.

And we believe a five-minute phone call or a brew on site is worth more than twenty emails.

In an industry built on buildings, we are built on relationships and that is why clients trust us to deliver, again and again.