I started a handyman business from my bedroom - now It’s an award-winning company
What began as a bedroom project to keep a grandad busy has grown into an award-winning local business, earning hundreds of five-star reviews and even a partnership with Blackpool FC.
When Chris Smith, 26, from Blackpool started a small handyman business from his bedroom his motivation was simple: keep his grandad, John Smith, 69, active and engaged.
He said: “Grandad had spent years repairing garden machinery, and I didn’t want him sitting at home with nothing to do.”
What started as a handful of odd jobs quickly captured the support of local residents across the Fylde Coast.
Word-of-mouth recommendations helped The Handy Grandad Group grow into a thriving property maintenance service now recognised with awards and hundreds of five-star reviews.
He said: “The journey from my bedroom to running a full service has been incredible.
“It’s been built entirely on community support and the belief that helping people is at the heart of what we do.”
The proudest moment so far came recently when Chris and his grandad stood together on the pitch at Bloomfield Road as partners of their hometown club, Blackpool FC. For a project that began as a way to keep one man busy, this milestone was deeply symbolic.
Chris said: “What began as a few small odd jobs quickly grew through the incredible support of local residents across the Fylde Coast.
“Our family business, The Handy Grandad Group, has since become an award-winning property maintenance service with hundreds of five-star reviews, all built on community recommendations and word of mouth.
“Recently, we experienced the proudest moment of our journey so far - standing together on the pitch at Bloomfield Road as partners of our hometown club, Blackpool FC.
“From starting the business in my bedroom to that moment on the pitch is something we never could have imagined.
“This story isn’t just about business growth; it’s about family, community support, and showing what can happen when people rally behind something positive.”
From humble beginnings to standing on the pitch at Bloomfield Road, The Handy Grandad Group is a story of ingenuity, dedication and the power of a supportive community.
Chris hopes it inspires others to start small, think big and always include family along the way.