The truth about domestic ‘staff’ and why home can be the trickiest work environment

Cleaners, tutors, gardeners, nannies… the domestic help business is booming, but managing those relationships can be a challenge.

Julian Axe, retired doctor:

Chris Gilbey was recommended to me by a local friend in Kensington. He made a good first impression when I asked him to quote to fix a leak in our roof and he returned the following day in his overalls. I’ve used him for numerous jobs over the past 10 years; painting and decorating, mending a basement door, carpentry jobs, plastering, fixing trellis.

That said, I don’t use him for everything. He’s very honest when a job isn’t for him; I once asked him to do some work on our roof terrace and he said, ā€œI’m not your best chap for thisā€. He’s become more expensive as his business has grown but he’s still excellent value in my mind because he’s reliable, tidy and his staff are super. Some DIY jobs I could probably do myself, but my wife always says, ā€œCome on, get Chris Gilbeyā€.

Chris Gilbey, left, with Julian AxeĀ CREDIT: Ā Paul Grover

Chris Gilbey, founder, Bits, Bobs and Odd Jobs:

I’ll always be indebted to early clients like Julian whoĀ hired meĀ when I was still working out of my car. I’d tried university but that hadn’t worked and then I thought I’d be a rock star but that didn’t work either, so I ended up working as a plumber and doing odd jobs for my friends in the evenings.

I quickly realised I could do all the internal DIY stuff, so I put myself in the yellow pages and relied on friends to spread the word about my new business. I was very anxious when I was first hired by Julian as he is a very nice guy with a lovely house; I wanted to make sure I did a good job and left the place tidy. The company is bigger now and I have a team of skilled staff, but I still suffer the same nerves with every job – I guess a bigger business just means bigger problems.

Over the years Julian has tried out every member of our team; he always gives clear instructions and trusts us implicitly. We like to get jobs done well and he likes to cross things off his list – so it’s a great working relationship.

By
Anna Tyzack
2 February 2020 • 6:00am