Markey Group Marks Six Decades Of Success

Markey Group, a prominent family-run business based in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, is elated to mark its 60th anniversary since its inception as a local building company.

Established by the late Brendan Markey as Markey Builders, the company has evolved over the decades into a dynamic group of specialist subsidiary companies and is now a trusted leader in property management, development, construction, manufacturing, student accommodation and healthcare.

Brendan started the business in 1963 out of the family home on Granville Street, Gloucester, using the front room as the material store, while aided by his wife May in the bookkeeping and day-to-day running of the business. Brendan’s sons, Paul, Tony and Tim grew up around the business, lending a hand where they could with the subsequent family home having been purposely chosen to help scale the business.

Over the next three decades, the business grew from carrying out small extensions and refurbishment projects to an out-and-out construction company, with its premises moving to a dedicated facility on Jersey Road. The business predominately worked with local authorities and housing associations.

At the turn of the 1990s, Brendan’s sons, Tony and Paul became heavily involved in the running of the business and formed Premiere Kitchens, which was founded to supply pre-assembled kitchens to the local authorities and housing associations. Within a few years, both businesses had moved to the purpose-built factory and offices on St Albans Road to accommodate the growth of the businesses and Premiere Kitchens move to manufacture its kitchens in-house.

Over the next 10 years, Premiere Kitchen’s growth and investment in a state-of-the-art production line resulted in moving to Madleaze Trading Estate and then on to the current home of the Markey Group at the Quadrant Distribution Centre in Hardwicke.

Since the early 2000s, Tony and Paul expanded into property development and other complementary sectors forming Student Digs and Markey Building Services, which both aptly celebrate their 15th and 10th anniversaries this year, respectively.

The combination of such diverse businesses has allowed the various parts of the Markey Group to support each other through the peaks and troughs making them stronger together and able to bounce back from adversities such as the recent global pandemic.

At the heart of Markey Group’s journey is its steadfast mission of “Creating tomorrow’s environments…”, building sustainable environments where people and businesses can flourish inside and out. This mission applies not only to the Group’s operations but also to its dedication to enhancing the lives of its customers and the communities it serves.

Today, including its care home operation, Park View, the Markey Group proudly boasts an annual turnover of £40 million, dedicated workforce of over 315 employees and a comprehensive retail, residential and commercial property portfolio.

At a 60th Anniversary party held at the Llanthony Secunda Priory, Tony and Paul Markey expressed their gratitude to the entire Markey Group family, including employees, partners, and the community for their unwavering support and commitment throughout the company’s remarkable journey.

At the event, Group Managing Director, Paul Markey said “It’s incredible to think how far the business has come, not simply because of the amount of time that has passed, but because of all the courageous moments over the 60 years and you really do realise what has been achieved by us all.”

Tony Markey went on to say, “We all look forward to continuing the company’s legacy and service in Gloucestershire and beyond.”