Why Gusto Construction is the Contractor of Choice
Choosing the right construction partner comes down to more than just price. We sat down with our Commercial Manager, Nigel, to discuss how Gusto Construction delivers value across every phase of a project and what sets us apart from other Principal Contractors.
Meet Our Commercial Manager, Nigel
With over three decades of hands-on experience across the construction industry, Nigel has been a key part of the Gusto Construction team since 2013. Fully qualified with MCIOB, IOSH, and SMSTS credentials, he is passionate about delivering high-quality, energy-efficient builds that stand the test of time across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
What type of projects can Gusto Construction deliver?
There's a common misconception that Gusto Construction only builds for Gusto Homes, but that's far from the case. We deliver a wide range of projects across both the public and private sectors. That includes affordable housing, residential developments, extra care schemes, commercial buildings, community facilities, education projects, and refurbishment works.
Our experience ranges from smaller commercial and residential builds across the East Midlands, through to multi-million-pound developments.
The key thing is that we're comfortable managing projects from the earliest planning stages right through to handover. Being part of the wider Gusto Group gives us a strong understanding of development, construction, and long-term asset value, but we work with many external clients and tailor our approach to the needs of each project.
What is a Principal Contractor?
“A Principal Contractor is responsible for managing the construction phase of a project. That means coordinating trades, managing health and safety, controlling programme, quality and costs, and making sure works are delivered in line with the client's requirements.
A good Principal Contractor is there to identify risks early, solve problems quickly and keep everyone moving in the same direction. Clients should not have to worry about what is happening on site day to day. Our job is to manage that process professionally and keep them informed throughout the project.”
How do Gusto Construction ensure our client’s high standards are met on each project?
“It starts long before work begins on site. We spend time understanding what success looks like for the client because every project is different. Some clients will prioritise programme, others quality, sustainability, value for money or minimising disruption to existing operations.
Once construction starts, standards are maintained through regular inspections, close supervision, quality control procedures, and clear communication with both the client and our supply chain.
Experience plays a big part too. Many construction issues can be avoided by recognising potential problems early and dealing with them before they affect programme, quality, or budget. Ultimately, we're judged by the finished product, and we take pride in delivering projects that we're happy to put our name against.”
What separates a good contractor from a great contractor during the tender process?
“Value for money will always be important, but it shouldn't be the only consideration. A strong contractor demonstrates that they fully understand the project, the risks involved and how they intend to deliver it successfully.
Clients should be looking at experience, financial stability, quality of previous work, approach to health and safety, programme management and the strength of the team that will deliver the project.
The best tenders aren't necessarily the cheapest. They're the ones that show a realistic understanding of what's involved and provide confidence that the contractor can deliver what they're promising.”
What sets Gusto Construction apart from other Principal Contractors?
“I think it's our combination of experience, commercial understanding, and practical delivery. We don't just look at projects from a construction perspective. We understand development, viability, and long-term value because of our experience across the wider Gusto Group.
We're also hands-on throughout the process. Clients have direct access to the people making decisions, and issues are dealt with quickly rather than being passed through multiple layers of management.
Most importantly, we focus on building lasting relationships. A successful project isn't just about completing the works. It's about delivering a quality outcome, keeping commitments and being the type of contractor a client would be happy to work with again.”
What’s been the most innovative or interesting site we’ve delivered for Gusto Homes, and what made it stand out from the rest?
“For me, the most interesting projects are often the ones that present unique challenges rather than simply being the biggest schemes.
Gusto Homes developments stand out because they place a strong emphasis on design quality, sustainability, and creating places where people genuinely want to live. What makes these projects particularly rewarding is the opportunity to work closely with the wider team from concept through to completion. That level of involvement helps ensure that the original vision is carried through into the finished development.
Every site has its own challenges, whether that's ground conditions, location constraints, planning requirements, or technical design details, and finding practical solutions to those challenges is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
Looking for a Trusted Principal Contractor for Your Next Project?
Finding the right contractor comes down to trust, straightforward communication, and having the right team on site from day one. If you have an upcoming project in Nottinghamshire or Lincolnshire, whether it's commercial or residential, our team is always happy to talk through your plans and see how we can help.
Contact the Gusto Construction team today to discuss how we can bring your next development to life.