There’s something special about reaching 80 years in business. Not just because of the milestone itself, but because of everything it represents: the people, the challenges, the progress, and the quiet determination that carries a company forward through decades of change.
For us, that journey began in 1946. With just £100, a Nissen hut, and a fantastic amount of conviction, two brothers – Derrick & Andre Gratte – set out to help repair the damage left by WWII across London and Hertfordshire. Materials were scarce (rationing continued until 1954!) and opportunities were hard-won. But what they did have was a clear sense of purpose – a belief in doing things properly, delivering real value, and building something that would last.
Eighty years later, those principles still define us.
Then & Now
The business has grown significantly since those early days. What started as an electrical contractor has evolved into a Group of five operating companies, working across engineering, security, data centres, and specialist services.
That growth didn’t happen overnight. It was built steadily through decades of careful decisions, new capabilities, and a willingness to adapt. From early school kitchen and aviation projects, to international work across Europe and the Middle East, to delivering complex data centre infrastructure, each chapter has added something new to who we are.
But while the scale and scope of the business have changed, the underlying approach has not. We’ve always believed in doing things the right way, and that’s what keeps our customers returning year after year, project after project.
People First
If there’s one constant throughout our history, it’s the importance of our people. Generations of employees have shaped the business, not just through their expertise, but through their commitment, loyalty, and pride in what they do. Many have spent decades with us, building careers that span entire chapters of our story.
That kind of continuity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a culture that values individuals, invests in development, and recognises the contribution people make at every level.
From apprentices taking their first steps into the industry to long-serving colleagues who have helped guide the business through change, our people have always been (and will always be) at the heart of everything we do.
Built on Relationships
Alongside our people, relationships have played a defining role in our journey.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with clients and partners who have trusted us time and again. Many of those relationships span decades and are built on consistency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to high standards. Those partnerships have allowed us to grow, to learn, and to take on increasingly complex and ambitious work. So to our clients both new and long-standing, we thank you!
Resilience Through Change
You can’t found a business in a war-ravaged country and then survive for 80 years without witnessing some truly incredible changes to the industry and world around you. We have certainly faced our share of challenges, from post-war austerity and economic uncertainty to a prioritisation of health & safety and energy efficiency, we’ve adapted time and time again. In recent years, the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, European and Middle Eastern wars have tested the resilience of business across our sector, and we feel incredibly lucky and grateful to still be here today. In our opinion, what’s carried us through is a combination of experience, strong relationships and a clear sense of wo we are. Being a family-owned business means that there is an enormous amount of innate knowledge not just about the industry, but in good business practices. Additionally, there’s a shared commitment which ensures a collective focus on the long-term success and legacy of the business, rather than individuals working towards separate goals.
Looking Ahead
As we mark 80 years, it feels fitting to reflect on our history. But, equally as important as reflection, is looking to the future. Now led by the third generation of the Gratte family, the business continues to build on strong foundations – combining experience with fresh thinking, and tradition with innovation, and always Delivering Excellence.
A Big Thank You
Reaching this milestone would never have happened without the people who’ve been part of our journey. To our colleagues, past and present, to our clients and partners, and to everyone who has supported us along the way – thank you.
Here’s to the next 80 years 🥂
Scroll through our anniversary edition of our internal newsletter, the GratteVine, for even more insight into our history:
