Smokester BBQ/Mortuary. "You kill 'em, we grill em!"
That's how I answer telemarketing calls. I just use my last name.
That might be a tad too far away from what I'm looking for.
I was thinking something like A+ Construction (A for your name of course and + for...whatever). I don't know if A+ means the same over the pond as it does here though.
It does mean the same here and, in the old days when you had to rely on a bible size directory to find companies and their numbers, having a name starting with A would list you at the beginning. I'm not opposed to using simple, self praising names like that, it's just that you can be pretty sure there is another company that has already used them which opens a whole other set of problems. Like these people:
http://www.aplusconstructionltd.comlooking through a construction glossary I came across this :
Above Grade Construction
It is a nice ring to it and it easy remember.
I know you said clever but maybe you could consider to using your name. you have spent years building your reputation. Most large construction companies are usually the name of the individual or a combo. of the partners names that own the company.
maybe also think about what you would want your logo to look it.Somtimes starting with a visual concept can help inspire a name as well. maybe you could make a list of various words that mean or imply quality and strength.
The issue with using your name is that unless you are called something like Alan Brightstar, branding can prove difficult. Actually.... I quite like the name Brightstar now I think of it, but I digress.
It doesn't have to stay with the word "construction"; "builders" is equally acceptable. I've gone off the idea of Brightstar Builders now.
My DJ/Club promotion business contained the name Tuff and I had thought of Tuffer Trades as a name, but then thought people would think that was my surname like you are suggesting, mish.
Artisan Constructor/Fabrication .
Those are the sort of names that would go down a hit round where I live (pretentious? moi?), but the tattoos and earrings might confuse folk.
Thanks for all this input, people. It is definitely helping.