John McClelland founded Clever Built Cabins after redundancy prompted him to reconsider his career and build a company around something he loved. The idea began ten years ago when John decided to build a cabin in Scottish woodland where he and his family spend time together. He had no background in joinery or construction, but completed the project using a flat-pack kit, borrowed tools and help from friends. Years later, that first cabin inspired his new career.
While considering several business ideas, John met his friend Gordon Campbell, co-founder of digital advertising agency ClickBoost. Instead of discussing John’s list of possible ventures, Gordon asked what he enjoyed doing outside work. When John began talking about the woodland cabin, Gordon’s response was simple: “That’s it. Log cabins.”
John said: “Gordon encouraged me to build a business around something I genuinely cared about. He helped me see that the answer had been sitting in front of me all along.” He then began developing Clever Built Cabins during evenings and weekends while completing his redundancy notice following 13 years working in financial crime investigations at Santander. The timing added pressure as John and his partner Laura were preparing for the arrival of their daughter Lily.
He invested his savings in the company and began learning a new trade, researched products, sourced suppliers, managed imports and built relationships across the cabin and construction sectors.
ClickBoost became the company’s digital growth partner, helping Clever Built Cabins generate enquiries and secure its first customer within weeks. John said: “I was blown away by how quickly ClickBoost created new opportunities. Their team removed much of the guesswork from our marketing and advertising, leaving me free to focus on our products and customers.”
Clever Built Cabins now supplies log cabins, residential cabins, garden rooms and glamping pods throughout the UK, with installation available across Scotland. Customers can choose from ready-made designs or create a bespoke building by selecting its size, layout, roof, wall thickness, windows, doors, insulation and foundations.
The cabins serve as home offices, gyms, guest accommodation, creative studios, family rooms, entertainment spaces and commercial premises. Projects range from £20,000 to £150,000, while the company’s standard cabin range starts at £3,795. Customers can assemble the flat-pack buildings themselves or use the company’s installation service.
“Every customer is different, so we listen to what they need and adapt the design to suit them. Some days it genuinely feels as though I get to play with Lego for a living.”
John now plans to expand the company, grow its team and create skilled jobs. He added: “Starting a business has brought plenty of challenges, but I’ve loved building something from the ground up. My ambition is to grow Clever Built Cabins across the country, create brilliant spaces for our customers and build a company that my family can be proud of.”
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