Leading the way in construction
Established in 1974, Graline Construction is a leading construction, kitchen, and bathroom renovation company based in Solihull.
We provide a polished and professional end-to-end service including project design, supply, and installation, with all work carried out by our talented in-house team.
Our story
Set up by a husband-and-wife team, Graline Construction combines not only Graham and Pauline’s names, but also their hard-working attitude and dedication to first-class craftsmanship.
Graham began his career as an apprentice carpenter, working alongside his father for many years before setting up the company in 1974. For the next 45 years, he built the reliable reputation of Graline Construction, before eventually retiring in 2020 – leaving the company in the capable hands of his daughter and sons-in-law.
Ian Smart joined in 2008, bringing electrical expertise, followed by Tom Poppitt in 2013, serving as the resident Level 3 Plumbing Engineer. Finally, Kathryn Poppitt completed the family team in 2015, taking over from her father as the primary operations director following his retirement.
Now, this tight-knit family team works alongside in-house trade specialists to oversee every project to the highest of standards, maintaining the Graline reputation for many generations to come.
Qualifications & Accreditations
Our plumbing and electrical engineers are qualified to City and Guilds Level 3 with decades of experience under their belt, ensuring a stress-free and seamless completion of every project.
Meanwhile, we are also members of the FMB (Federation of Master Builders), and NICEIC registered (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting). This means our work is vetted and inspected every three years to maintain rigorous safety and quality standards.
- Solihull
- Knowle
- Hollywood
- Wythall
- Dorridge
- Shirley
- Henley-in-Arden
- Lapworth
Tom is a Director of Graline Construction and plays a key role in the day-to-day delivery of the company’s projects. Having joined the business in 2013, he brings extensive practical construction experience alongside his Level 3 Advanced Plumbing qualification and Level 2 qualification in Wall and Floor Tiling.
Tom is heavily involved from the early stages of a project, assisting with quotations and pricing, organising materials and product orders, coordinating trades and helping to plan and manage works on site. His practical knowledge and attention to detail are invaluable in ensuring projects are well organised and delivered to a high standard.
Project management is a major part of Tom’s role, and clients will work closely with him throughout their build as he helps coordinate the many different elements required to bring a project together.
Ian is a Director of Graline Construction and takes the lead on the day-to-day management of our sites, staff and subcontractors. Having joined the business in 2008, he brings a wealth of practical experience and a real enthusiasm for the projects we deliver.
Ian works closely with clients throughout the construction phase, helping to coordinate works on site, manage the team and ensure projects progress smoothly and to the expected standard. His approachable nature and hands-on knowledge make him a key point of contact during the build.
Alongside his site management role, Ian is a qualified Level 3 electrical engineer, holds the City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing qualification, and has a Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry. In 2012, he was also named Federation of Master Builders Regional Apprentice of the Year for his work on our Ullenhall project.
Kathryn is based at Graline Construction’s head office and is often the first point of contact for clients, consultants and new enquiries. As Operations Director, she plays a central role in the day-to-day running of the business, with a particular focus on client experience, business development, systems, communication and ensuring projects are well organised from the outset.
With previous experience in the property sector, Kathryn has a genuine passion for both business and construction and is particularly interested in how small construction companies can become more professional, resilient and forward-thinking.
Kathryn is also President of the Federation of Master Builders Central Region, a role that allows her to support and represent small and medium-sized builders across the industry. Through her involvement with the FMB, she has helped support initiatives including the launch of Women in FMB and acts as an FMB Champion, helping to promote the organisation’s work and values across the sector.
She is also a strong supporter of the FMB’s Licence to Build campaign, which calls for greater regulation within the construction industry and aligns closely with her passion for raising standards, improving professionalism and helping customers choose reputable, competent builders with confidence.
Kathryn is passionate about improving the customer experience, supporting better business practices and encouraging greater collaboration and opportunity across the construction industry.
Connor has been a valued member of Graline Construction for many years and has developed a strong breadth of practical experience across a wide range of projects. With electrical qualifications and extensive site experience, he brings technical knowledge, reliability and a strong work ethic to every job.
Connor also holds training in Working at Heights, Asbestos Awareness, Noise Awareness and Manual Handling, supporting his strong understanding of safe working practices on site.
He is a vital part of the team and makes a valued contribution to the successful delivery of our projects, working closely with colleagues on site and taking pride in maintaining the high standards Graline is known for.
Ciaran joined Graline Construction in January and has quickly become a valued and dependable member of the team. Hardworking, proactive and always willing to get involved, he brings a great attitude to every project and is continually developing his practical construction skills across a wide range of areas.
Before joining Graline, Ciaran gained more than five years’ experience in logistics and warehouse operations, developing strong skills in organisation, materials management, teamwork and maintaining safe, efficient working environments. Ciaran CV updated Ciaran CV updated.
He also brings a strong health and safety background, with training including NEBOSH, First Aid, IPAF, Working at Heights, Asbestos Awareness and COSHH.
Ciaran’s initiative, work ethic and willingness to learn have already made him an important part of the Graline team, and we look forward to seeing his skills and experience continue to develop.