When my dad, John put up a fence in our garden in the 1980s, he never realised what it would lead to. He did a really good job, paid attention to every detail and used quality materials that would last, whatever the Dorset weather. Friends and neighbours admired his handy work and someone asked if he’d put up a fence for them. Then someone else. Word spread around our local community until dad was putting up fences for friends, neighbours and friends of friends and neighbours, seven days a week.

Mum was doing the accounts, bookings and advertising. Like any new business, it wasn’t all plain sailing but it wasn’t long before they realised they were at a crossroads: should they take a risk and expand or keep things as their hardworking husband and wife team?

Starting young

Over 35 years later, John Bright’s employs 20 local people and is set on an extensive site at Salway Ash with a fencing team, workshop housing skilled craftsmen and a large country store. While mum has been involved in the business with dad from day one, I officially joined the team 16 years ago. But I started a lot younger – as you can see!

Family values

People are at the heart of everything we do. We are a team and many people have been working with us for years, some from the earliest days of the business.

 

 

Family owned firms

• Employ 13 million people
• Make up 85 per cent of all private sector businesses
• Generated £1.7 trillion revenue in 2017
• Contributed £598 billion to UK GDP in 2017

Source: Institute for Family Business Research Foundation

Bright future

From that first fence in the 1980s, dad has maintained the same work ethic and his philosophy underpins the company’s foundation: give excellent service, do a brilliant job and always offer value for money.

From our family to your family, thank you.