A Dorset-based installer has its 50th anniversary this month. Wessex Group began in November 1963 when Tony Morgan, a recently qualified electrician, set up his electrical contracting business from his mother’s garage. Wessex Electricals developed into the group that now includes Wessex Fire & Security, Wessex Building Services and Wessex HVAC & Plumbing, among others.
Still based in Shaftesbury in North Dorset where it began, the group now employs about 400 staff and turns over more than £30m. Its heartland remain in the ‘Wessex’ region.
Simon Morgan, 46, and his brother Alistair, 43, are Wessex Group’s joint managing directors aafter Tony’s phased retirement between 2001 and 2006, meaning the group is still very much a family affair, and with many loyal and long-serving staff. For example, Gordon Green began as Tony’s first apprentice in 1965 and is now MD of Wessex Electricals.
Simon said: “Reaching 50 years is an incredible achievement for the group and is down to the great foundations built by my father.”
The group has a plan to increase turnover to £45m by 2018. “We have a ten year plan that we put into place in 2008 – just as the economy crashed!” Simon said. “But we’ve weathered the storm and still expect to hit our targets, if not exceed them. In fact we want to be growing when we reach our 100th anniversary. It is of course possible, and I do hope, there are staff here now who will still be here in 2063.”
To mark its 50th, Wessex has produced an anniversary brochure. Click here or ask Wessex for an original printed copy posted to you.
The Group is also giving away “50 somethings” to a good cause or charity each month during 2013. So far it has given 50 sensory toys to a charity for children with severe learning difficulties, planted 50 yards of snowdrops in Shaftesbury, supported 50 animals at a rescue charity, provided 50 vintage books for Max Gate, Thomas Hardy’s former home, supplied Gold Hill museum in Shaftesbury with 50 LED lamps, sponsored 50 birds at an owl sanctuary and donated 50 teddy bears to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
It also held a gala dinner at the Bournemouth International Conference Centre for staff and their partners and has further plans for events.
