Who We Are

Hey, we're the Filby's

Why Choose Us?

(We asked our customers!)

Writing about yourself is always a bit awkward—we’d much rather be on-site with a spirit level! So, we asked our clients why they chose the Filby family. Here is what they told us makes us "Out of the Ordinary."

"A Refreshing First Step"

Experience tells us that it’s often the ladies of the house who make that first brave call to find a builder. That’s why your first meeting will be with Sam. Having grown up in the trade, Sam knows her stuff inside out.

She’ll work with you and your architect to build a transparent budget that actually makes sense. Sam stays by your side throughout the build, meeting you every two weeks to make sure you’re happy, the project is on track, and the "money talk" remains clear and honest.

"The "Filby WhatsApp" & Family Time"

Communication is key, but so is a work-life balance. We set up a shared WhatsApp group for you, Sam, and the team on your project. It’s perfect for those speedy decisions that keep a build moving. We just ask that we keep it to "human hours"—we’re big on family time (ours and yours!), so we try to keep the evenings for dinner and relaxing!

"A Finish Worth the Wait"

We don’t spend a penny on fancy marketing. Instead, we invest everything into the quality of our builds. Because our work is our best advert, we stay very busy—which means you might have to be a little patient to get a Filby slot. But as our clients will tell you, a finish that looks this good is always worth the wait.

"The Team We Actually Miss"

It sounds strange to say you’ll miss your builders, but it happens! We build a real rapport with our clients, and we’ve been known to celebrate a finished project with a beer and a BBQ.

Kinda odd not having the team around!

St James' Avenue 2026

Meet the Team

It always helps to put a face to a name so meet the friendly crowd at Filby Builders.

Director

James Filby

James didn't just join the trade; he was born into it. He started out earning a grand total of £4 a day working alongside his dad, Bob. Back then, there was no "YouTube!"—James actually built his first loft conversion by following a book!

Today, that old-school grit combined with a modern passion for perfection has won him awards and even seen him lead a "from the ground up" new build. His nickname is "Duracell"—and once you meet him, you’ll understand why.

When he’s not on-site: You’ll find James chasing his dog Teddy, hanging out with his fiancée Vicky, and keeping up with their little boy, Sol.
The Need for Speed: When he really needs to unwind, James swaps the van for a motorbike. He likes nothing more than the adrenaline of a race track—though we try to keep him at a slightly slower pace when he’s carrying your architectural drawings!

Director

Mark Filby

If you’re looking for the man who treats your home as if it were his own, that’s Mark. Originally trained as an electrician, Mark eventually pivoted to his true passion: high-end construction and finishing.

That electrical knowledge is a "secret weapon" on-site, but these days, he’s most at home with his headphones on, his music playing, and his focus entirely on the job at hand.

When he’s not on-site: Mark is a dedicated family man. He’s surrounded by his wife, Emma, and their three daughters—two of whom (Ellie and Kate) you’ll see working alongside him on the Filby crew! You might even spot their third daughter, Danielle, helping out during the school holidays. Oh and do not forget the two cats!
The Weekend Ritual: When the tools are down, Mark swaps the site for the trails on his mountain bike. But regardless of the plans, Saturday morning is reserved for one thing: a legendary builders' breakfast at Macs.

Director

Sam Langridge (Filby)

Having grown up surrounded by the building trade, she doesn't just manage the budgets—she truly knows her stuff. She’s the bridge between you, the architects, and the crew, ensuring that your vision stays on track and your pricing stays completely transparent.

Sam splits her week between two worlds: she’s with our team on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and the rest of the time, she’s busy caring for animals as a Veterinary Nurse.

When she’s not on-site (or at the clinic): Sam is a "mum on the move" with her two sons, Ollie and Jake. Whether she’s cheering from the sidelines or helping Ollie navigate his own work on the family crew, she’s always at the heart of the action.
The Fresh Air Fix: You’ll most likely find Sam getting her steps in at Stanmer Park, usually being dragged along by her energetic dog, Milo

Carpenter, Painter - The all round 2nd Fix guy

Tom G

Tom started with us in 2014 as a qualified painter and decorator but it wasn’t long before we realised he was talented at many other aspects of the job.

Tom now does a lot of the second fix carpentry, building some of the bespoke units and generally finishing off the jobs. He also fits the majority of the windows and doors we install.

Tom enjoys mountain biking, golf, playing football and spending time with friends and family.

The Ground Breaker ( Structural lead)

Tom S

New Tom, as he is still affectionately known, even though he started with us in December 2018 ! Having had a career change from leading the recycling centre, continues to go from strength to strength.

Tom will turn up at your door as soon as the project kicks off to knock down and remove anything that needs to go! He is then the main person for getting the steels and foundations in place for you.

Tom enjoys playing football and playing with his two young sons that keep his hands full!

Decorator & Trainee Tiler

Ellie

Ellie, is the eldest daughter of Mark and relatively new to the team. She started of with a career in nursing (always helpful to have first aid expertise around) but changed her mind and wanted to learn a new trade.

Ellie is part of the decorating team with her sister Kate overseen by Tom G, she is learning fast and is an incredible asset to the team.

When she is not at work Ellie is out and about with Fin has boyfriend and her friends.

Decorator

Kate

Like her sister Ellie, Kate was born into the construction world, having helped out her dad and Grandad with end of job cleans from a young age, now Kate is a fully fledged member of the team.

She has a meticulous eye for detail and consistently leaves every wall looking fresh, sleek, and perfectly finished. Her technique is impeccable, and the quality of her work speaks for itself.

Kate has been a full-time painter and decorator with the Filby team for two years.

In her spare time Kate enjoys art and travelling and is soon off on an extended break to Thailand - have a great time Kate!

PT Labourer

Ollie

Ollie is the eldest son of Sam and the late Jason, a beloved former member of our team.

Following in his late father’s footsteps, Ollie brings that same family dedication and commitment to every task he is set.

He is learning the ropes at a rapid pace but we have to share him with his studies at Plumpton.

In his spare time he loves his mountain bike and spending time with Millie his girlfriend.

The Wider Team!

There are even more of us that you will meet during your project! Let us introduce you to:

Tom & Georgie the electricians, who have worked alongside us for many years. They love a challenge!

Rich & George, the plumbers, long term friends of the Filbys. They love a game of volleyball and will come up with lots of ideas for any tricky bits you need help with.

Andy & Dean, the plasterers and rendering guys. Having been on motorbike holidays with the guys we know and trust them to do a good job for you :)