At Gratte Brothers | Building Services Maintenance, the Small Works team operates on a principle of quality: moving quickly, responding flexibly, and delivering results that speak for themselves. It’s a discipline that demands more than just technical know-how – it calls for sharp intuition, hands-on leadership, and the ability to translate evolving client needs into tangible outcomes.
Rob Preston, one of our experienced Project Managers, is at the heart of this dynamic. His role is part interpreter, part problem-solver, part conductor – ensuring that every project is delivered with quality.
In this interview, we sit down with Rob to unpack what sets Gratte Brothers | Building Services Maintenance apart in the small works landscape, how his team turns last-minute challenges into seamless solutions, and why he believes that real success lies in building trust, early communication, and long-term care.
Hi Rob! How’s 2025 treating you so far?
“So far so good, thank you! Most recently, I’ve been concentrating on developing a recent contract win with a government office – which is my focus for the foreseeable future. It’s a slightly slower start than we had envisaged but is starting to pick up pace now.”
Photo: One of Rob’s recent projects; installing a new VRF system and condenser. Transforming a 1980s office building into a flexible and generous modern workspace.
For those who might not know, what makes Gratte Brothers different from other companies doing similar work?
“We stand out in the small works space because of our responsiveness, attention to detail, and hands-on project management. In building services, it’s often the smaller jobs that are the most time-sensitive and disruptive for clients, so we focus on speed, flexibility, and minimal downtime. Our team is built to move quickly without compromising quality, and we pride ourselves on delivering solutions that are practical, cost-effective, and built to last.”
You’ve referenced our responsiveness and flexibility – can you give an example of this?
“On a recent office refurbishment, the client requested a late-stage change to the lighting design, just days before the scheduled install. Our team reworked the layout overnight, sourced new fittings within 24 hours, and adapted the wiring plan on-site without delaying the rest of the schedule. Not only did it meet the client’s updated needs, but they later told us the change made the space far more functional. It was a great example of how being agile in small works can make a big impact.”
Photo: Recent LED upgrade in a live building, featuring 350+ new fittings including downlights, bulkheads, uplights, linear, non-corrosive and IP65-rated units.
You’ve mentioned before that agility is key in small works. What does that look like in action?
“Absolutely. The key to agility is effective communication. We keep things running smoothly by holding regular site coordination meetings, maintaining a clear line of communication with clients, and keeping accurate records of all changes. For small works, even simple checklists, labelled photos, and daily job sheets can prevent delays. It’s also important to stay proactive – if something might become an issue, we raise it early and work together to find a solution.”
Teamwork seems like a big theme in your projects. What does good collaboration between engineers and clients look like to you?
“In small works, teamwork means staying connected and being easy to work with. It’s about regular site communication, flagging issues early, and making sure the client always knows what’s happening – especially when multiple trades are involved! We listen closely, adjust quickly, and treat every job, no matter the size, as a partnership. When the client and contractor are on the same page, things get done faster and better.”
If you could ask clients for one thing before a project starts, what would it be?
“One thing we always try to communicate is how much smoother a project runs when scopes are clearly defined early on. In small works, scope changes can quickly impact costs and timelines. If we’re brought in early to advise on feasibility or sequencing, we can help avoid last-minute surprises. This reduces the risk of disruption to daily operations, especially in live environments like offices, schools, or retail sites.”
Have you noticed client expectations shifting over the past few years?
“Yes – clients now expect more flexibility, faster turnaround, and less disruption to their business or tenants. There’s also a greater emphasis on sustainability and long-term value. We have kept pace by streamlining our processes, using modern communication tools, and training our teams to work efficiently in occupied spaces. We also focus on planning and prefabrication, where possible to reduce our time on-site.”
Photo: Before and after of a plant room upgrade featuring new boilers, heat exchanger, flue system, and weather-compensated controls to improve energy efficiency and long-term performance.
And once a project wraps up – what happens next?
“In building services, especially with small works, systems may need fine-tuning once they’re live. Aftercare ensures everything continues to operate correctly and gives clients peace of mind. Whether it’s helping adjust HVAC settings, resolving snags, or providing manuals and training, our follow-up support is about building trust and showing that we’re invested in long-term performance – not just project completion.”
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