At work with The Handiest Man
Borthwick epitomises a renewed focus on work-life and slow style living in Scotland and we are delighted to introduce Christopher Flyvbjerg, founder of The Handiest Man to our LIFE | STYLE editorial. Christopher spent some time with our founder, Diane, at the studio along with photographer/filmographer, Adam Cosgrove, who led the shoot.
Words by Christopher Flyvbjerg, "The Handiest Man was born more out of necessity than anything else. 2025 was a big year for me, mainly because I married my beautiful wife in May. After the wedding we started talking about settling down and starting a family: this forced me to take a proper look at my life and think about the kind of future I wanted to build. Anyone who has ever worked in sales understands that it’s never just a 9 - 5. It meant late evenings and weekend events. I knew that lifestyle wasn’t going to work for me long-term. When I’m lucky enough to have children I want to be as present as possible and choose how I spend my time with them, not miss out because of work.
That’s where The Handiest Man comes in. I’ve always been “the handiest man” in one way or another. Growing up, I was often roped in to help my dad with DIY projects and that has led me to be the one to help friends or family with all manner of jobs. I decided to take it more seriously and actually start a business in October 2024 as a way to help pay for our wedding, and it went pretty quickly from there. As the business and my online following grew I reached a point where I couldn’t give both my sales job and The Handiest Man the attention they deserved. In September 2025, not even a year later, I took the leap and went full-time - and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made."
Q&A
Q: Tell our readers about where you live, home life and what is your current work focus?
I’m based in the south-side of Glasgow and try to keep home life as quiet as possible - although that’s not always easy with three cats and three border collies in the family. Add in my wife working shifts as an ambulance dispatcher and some days can be completely mental, but it’s our kind of mental and I wouldn’t change it. Work-wise, my focus is on continuing to build trust in the business and delivering a top-quality service no matter what the job. I’m keen to take on a wider variety of work, keep adding to my skill set, and use the success of the business to support the life we want to live.
Q: With your business based in Scotland, how did you get to where you are today?
I know it’s what everyone says, but I genuinely fell into this business. After working in sales for the best part of a decade, I never imagined myself doing anything else. While trying to find ways to earn some extra money to help pay for our wedding, I decided to lean into the handyman jobs I was already doing for friends and family. I don't live far away from Glasgow Wood, the social enterprise doing great work with reclaimed wood and loved the process and hands-on work that went into diverting precious timber from landfill. The quality of the wood deserved a second chance and I decided to put my spin on it. I love working with my hands, making something that is built to last for years to come for others to enjoy.
I’d put some shelves up for my brother-in-law, who’s a freelance videographer, and he made a short video of the job. I posted it on our local Facebook page, I Love Clarkston, never expecting much to come of it. Within a couple of days, I had over ten jobs booked in. That was the moment I realised I couldn’t let the opportunity pass, and I decided to give it everything I had. Social media did the rest.
The quality of the wood deserved a second chance and I decided to put my spin on it. I love working with my hands, making something that is built to last for years to come for others to enjoy. Getting this satisfaction is next level.
Q: At Borthwick, we appreciate the balance between work and play. What does that look like for you?
Work/life balance is one of the main reasons I do what I do. I’m definitely not work-shy, but I don’t see the point in working so hard that you leave yourself no time to enjoy it. Family is the most important thing to me, and being able to properly enjoy time with them is worth more than anything else.
When you’re surrounded by some of Scotland’s best scenery, it’s easy to shut out the day-to-day noise. It’s a complete reset for me, and even though it can be tough and exhausting, I always feel better for days afterwards.
Q: Outdoor living is part of the countryside code and a great way to switch off - what do you do outdoors and how do you prioritise your physical and mental health?
I love being outside - you can’t have three border collies that need walking and not enjoy it. One of my favourite activities is climbing Munros with the dogs and friends. When you’re surrounded by some of Scotland’s best scenery, it’s easy to shut out the day-to-day noise. It’s a complete reset for me, and even though it can be tough and exhausting, I always feel better for days afterwards.
Q: What are your ideal slow living moments and why do you appreciate them?
I’m a big believer in slow mornings, and not just on days off. I’ll happily get up an hour or two earlier so I can sit in the garden with a coffee, cook breakfast at home, go to the gym, or just have some quiet time before heading out to work. Those moments set the tone for the day and give me the headspace I need.
Q: When we talk about Scotland as a place, what does it mean to you?
Despite being half Danish, being born there and moving to Scotland in 2005. I’m incredibly patriotic about Scotland and try not to take for granted how lucky we are to live here. The nature, the history, and the fact it’s all right on our doorstep is something special. Through my work, I also get to meet people from all over Scotland, and I love when customers are up for a chat. That friendly, down-to-earth attitude is what really makes Scotland such a great place to live and work.
Q: What or who influences you to make personal choices that improve your daily life?
I’m very close to my brother-in-law, Adam. Growing up as an only child, I always wanted a brother, so when we met and got on straight away, it felt like I finally had one. Adam encouraged me to seriously set up The Handiest Man, and having worked for himself for years, he’s always happy to offer advice, lend a hand, or give me a kick up the arse when it’s needed. He’s my go-to person for most things.
Q: You have The Strathview Barn Coat and Endrick Liner Vest. How are you getting on with them?
Both are incredibly well-built and practical pieces. I’m not usually the most careful with my clothes, so I’ve been saving the jacket for non-work use - things like dinners over the festive period or quoting jobs - either on its own or layered with the liner when it’s colder. On jobs, the vest has been a go-to under my already paint-splattered Carhartt work jacket to keep me extra warm on frosty mornings. I really like both of them. With the work I do now which is 100% hands-on, I find myself having a great appreciation for other crafted products and to hear the Borthwick collection is made by skilled technicians and machinists in Fife makes me appreciate this slower style of making even more.
With the work I do now which is 100% hands-on, I find myself having a great appreciation for other crafted products and to hear the Borthwick collection is made by skilled technicians and machinists in Fife makes me appreciate this slower style of making even more.
Image credit: Adam Cosgrove / Bread Media
Q: What plans or aspirations do you have for 2026?
I want to see how far I can take The Handiest Man and what opportunities it can open up. This collaboration with Borthwick has shown me there are more possibilities out there than I’d ever dreamed of. On a personal level, my wife and I are also hoping 2026 brings some good news of another kind - but that part is with the big man upstairs.
Christopher wears;
Thank you to Christopher and Adam for visiting us at the Borthwick store in Stirlingshire. Details HERE
You can follow The Handiest Man Instagram and TikTok @the_handiestman, or visit www.thehandiestman.uk
Thanks to Adam Cosgrove / Bread Media for art direction, photography and film.