Early Birds

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About Us

Built on strong values

We are leading specialists in high-quality building projects across Kent and East Sussex, with extensive experience in historic renovations, complex conversions, extensions, and bespoke new builds.

While we are well known for barn conversions and oast houses, our work goes far beyond this. From transforming historic horse stables into beautiful homes, to multi-property amalgamations, major extensions, and full internal renovations, we deliver carefully considered projects of all sizes with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship.

We offer a complete, end-to-end service, managing every stage of the build to ensure exceptional results.

  • Full project management from concept to completion

  • Design and construction

  • Renovation and refurbishment of residential and commercial properties, including listed and historic buildings

  • Conversions of all types, including barns, stables, and multi-dwelling amalgamations

  • Extensions, including rear, side, and multi-storey extensions

  • Kitchen and bathroom installations

  • External works, including drainage and landscaping

  • All wet and dry trades, including plastering, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and decorating

30+ years of history

Early Birds was founded by Stuart Benjamin over 20 years ago, driven by a passion for breathing new life into buildings with character and history.

From an early age, Stuart was fascinated by period properties and the craftsmanship behind them. He recognised the potential in buildings that had been forgotten or fallen into disrepair and was inspired to restore them with care, preserving their heritage while thoughtfully introducing the comforts and functionality of modern living.

The company’s name has an equally personal story. Growing up, Stuart’s grandmother would often remind him, “The early bird catches the worm.” Her belief in hard work, commitment and making the most of every opportunity became values that stayed with him throughout his life. When the time came to build his own company, there was only one name that felt right: Early Birds.

Today, those same principles remain at the heart of everything we do. We believe in arriving prepared, working with integrity, paying attention to the smallest details and taking pride in every project we undertake.

Over the years, Early Birds has earned a reputation for transforming heritage properties, listed buildings and bespoke homes across Kent. Every project is approached with the same philosophy that inspired the business from the very beginning: respect the past, build for the future, and never compromise on quality.

Your dream team

We believe exceptional projects are delivered by exceptional people. That’s why every member of our team has been carefully handpicked not only for their expertise and craftsmanship, but for their commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.

From our customer care team through to our skilled tradespeople, everyone shares the same passion for quality and attention to detail. Whether we’re carrying out intricate heritage restoration, bespoke joinery, or creating open-plan living spaces, every project benefits from the experience and dedication of a team that takes genuine pride in its work.

Working across Kent and the South East, we collaborate closely with our clients from the initial consultation through to the final handover, ensuring their vision is realised with honesty, professionalism and a five-star level of service. It’s this combination of expert craftsmanship and exceptional client care that has earned Early Birds its trusted reputation.

Stuart

DIRECTOR & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Stuart’s working life began over 35 years ago as a landscape gardener at the Chelsea Flower Show. As time passed, he acquired many new skills that led him to undertake small building and maintenance works. However, a severe illness created a period of uncertainty for Stuart, during which time he had an increasing urge to ‘go it alone’.

The result – Early Birds was born, initially undertaking maintenance work for estate agents. However, Stuart’s passion for creating beautiful buildings has since seen Early Birds become synonymous with stunning bespoke builds and renovations.

Despite being the ‘big cheese’, Stuart still regards himself as one of the lads. He hates being stuck behind a desk, preferring to ‘muck in’ on-site and thinking of fresh ideas and new approaches.

Stuart’s proudest achievement is that with his team, Early Birds continues to take peoples’ dreams and turn them into reality. Testament to his passions and dedication came when one of Early Bird’s projects was featured on Channel 4’s ‘Great British Home Restoration’ television series.

Stuart is a big football fan, although his main passion is life, family and friends.

Sharon

DIRECTOR & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Sharon is responsible for all accountancy and financial matters within Early Birds. She has always worked in the industry, having started as a receptionist for a large construction company and progressing to various more advanced roles in IT support and office management.
Her considerable knowledge and expertise in financial matters were gained purely through hands-on experience over the years.

Sharon has been married to Stuart for many years, and together they formed Early Birds and developed it into the company that exists today. She is justly proud of the company, everyone involved with it, and what they have achieved over the years.

Sharon relaxes by walking her dogs, Buddy and Missi, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She also makes a point of seeing her friends as often as possible, because as she points out, her friends are also her chosen family.

Lee

DIRECTOR & CONTRACTS MANAGER

Lee is a Director & Contracts Manager for Early Birds, where he takes responsibility for the evaluation, negotiation, and execution of our projects from the start to the final handover.

From leaving school at 16 years of age he joined the junior infantry battalion in Folkestone to do his army training, then joined up with his regiment 1st battalion the Queens regiment where he had frequent tours around the world.

On leaving the army, he went into site works around Kent as a multi-skilled operative, moving on from that he became a carpenter, working with some big construction companies around the country moving up in levels of management within the industry.

One of Lee’s proudest moments was managing the build of the Battle of Britain Memorial new wing building, where it was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

In Lee’s spare time away from work, he likes to spend time with his family & watching sports.

Amy

SENIOR OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Amy has previous experience in customer care, and since joining Early Birds, has proven to be an invaluable first point of contact for all new enquiries. She takes complete care of clients from the initial visit to project handover, and she is proud to be part of the entire process.

In common with every member of the Early Birds team, Amy loves seeing client’s reactions when they receive the keys to their dream property.

When she’s not looking after clients, Amy likes to bake, spend time with her family and explore interesting new places.

Wayne

SITE MANAGER

Wayne has been with Early Birds for 4 years now. He has worked in various roles from a post former to shop fitting then on to house building in the industry for nearly 40 years.

Wayne says “I enjoy my job due to the guys you meet and can still learn from. Only being with Early Birds a short while I have learnt you can create dreams for individuals and families.

Outside of work I enjoy listening to music and watching films”.

Rory

CARPENTER

Rory works mainly on the 2nd phase of projects, including fitting bespoke kitchens, doors and finishing touches.

He has worked in the construction industry for over 35 years, with the last 6 years with the Early Birds team.

He has managed projects from start to finish, valued from £1,000 to £1 million.

Some of his proudest moments have been when he handed projects back to our client’s and he can see the look of joy on their faces.

Rory says “Working with the Early Birds team is like being part of a large family and everyone is looking out for each other”.

Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends either in his caravan or at race meetings or on the occasional weekend away.

Travis

GROUNDWORKS FOREMAN

Travis is our Site Foreman, leading our team of skilled groundworkers across a wide range of residential and bespoke construction projects. With extensive experience in both groundworks and civil engineering, he brings a wealth of knowledge to every site, ensuring each project is built on strong foundations from day one.

Travis takes great pride in seeing a project evolve from an empty plot into a finished home. As he puts it, “We’re the first people on site, so we see what a project looks like before any work is carried out. After months of hard work, you can stand back and say, ‘Yeah, that was worth all the headaches.’

Outside of work, Travis enjoys spending quality time with his family and pursuing his passion for shooting.

Mat

FINISHING FOREMAN/DECORATOR

Mat is one of Early Birds’ experienced decorators, bringing decades of expertise in delivering high-quality finishes across a wide range of bespoke construction and renovation projects. His attention to detail and pride in his work help ensure every home is completed to the exceptional standard our clients expect. Mat says, “The best thing about working at Early Birds is that you’re part of a family, not just an employee. We work on some incredible, high-spec projects, and it’s rewarding to see the transformation from start to finish.”

Outside of work, Mat enjoys spending time with his family, his beloved bulldogs and following his favourite football team.

Sam

CARPENTER

With a passion for craftsmanship, Sam originally earned a Level 3 Distinction in Painting and Decorating but decided to follow his dreams by pursuing carpentry, learning from the best of the best in the industry.

He enjoys working with Early Birds because of the company’s bespoke approach, high standards, and strong sense of organisation. Sam feels truly appreciated and is grateful to be part of a team that values quality and growth.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys watching football, going for long walks, and staying active at the gym.

George

GROUNDWORKER

George is currently a bricklayer’s labourer which consists of making mortar, moving bricks and pointing. Whilst doing this he is also learning to lay bricks on the side. Groundwork is also included.

George says “I started building my career, learning everything I know with Early Birds.

Work for Early Birds has been a great experience so far, as I’ve learnt skills I never thought I’d need to know.

My proudest moment with Early Birds has been the house in Paddock Wood, this was my first house with brick all the way to the top, this was very accomplishing for me.”

Darren

CARPENTER

Darren joined us straight from school. Since then he has studied and worked hard to become a highly talented carpenter and a vital part of the Early Birds team.

Darren is justly proud that we have grown to rely on him to complete second-fix carpentry works independently. One of the projects he was deeply involved with was featured on the Great British Restoration television series.

In his free time, Darren loves to fish and spend quality time with his family.

Lee

TILER

Lee carries out all aspects of tiling works from a small kitchen splash back to a fully tiled wet room.

Lee says “I was taught my trade by my father and started very young so have well over 20 years of experience.”

” I like everything about my work. I especially like getting free reign from a client to show my creative side.

I do not have a single proudest moment, I take huge pride in every single job I do big or small I am proud of them all.

My passion outside of work is my family no question, family is everything.

Travis

GROUNDWORKER

Marcus is also an old hand at what he does, having spent seventeen years in the industry. Five of those have been with Early Birds, where his skills and expertise have been instrumental to the successful completion of many projects.

Marcus loves what he does and gets a massive buzz from making clients happy. He says his proudest achievement is “being employed by a great company”. Marcus, it is truly an honour to have you working for us.

Outside of work, you’ll find Marcus spending quality time with his family.

Tyler

TILER

Tyler is our tiling apprentice, working alongside and learning the trade from Lee! He has been a part of our team since he was 17, originally as part of our Renovations team but found his place in tiling!

Tyler says ‘I could not have asked for a better teacher, Lee has taught me so many things inside and outside of work. My favourite thing about the job is looking back on the final product and appreciating the complete transformation we have achieved on the rooms.’

Sam

APPRENTICE

With a passion for craftsmanship, Sam originally earned a Level 3 Distinction in Painting and Decorating but decided to follow his dreams by pursuing carpentry, learning from the best of the best in the industry.

He enjoys working with Early Birds because of the company’s bespoke approach, high standards, and strong sense of organisation. Sam feels truly appreciated and is grateful to be part of a team that values quality and growth.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys watching football, going for long walks, and staying active at the gym.

Ysobele

APPRENTICE

Ysobele joined Early Birds straight out of college, where she completed two years studying carpentry. She is now continuing to develop and refine her skills on site as she works towards becoming a qualified carpenter.

Ysobele enjoys the variety of the role, learning something new each day, and working alongside the team. Outside of work, she loves playing football and spending time with her family.

George

APPRENTICE

George has been working with Early Birds since leaving college as an apprentice.

George is looking to become a groundworker and loves the challenge it presents. He especially loves working on our bigger builds.

Let us inspire you

KEEN TO JOIN THE EARLY BIRDS FAMILY?

As we grow to become one of Kent’s leading premiere building company we are often on the lookout for talented individuals to join our Early Birds family. 

If you are someone who feels like you are a good fit to join our team check out our current available roles. If nothing suits you right now keep checking back as we update our roles regularly.

Join our team here

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