In 1973, a young Pat Gallagher, encouraged and supported by his good friend Pat Burke, purchased his first digger. He couldn’t have imagined he’d create one of the largest and most recognisable family-run businesses in Kent and still be doing it, half a century later.
Pat was born in 1949 in Ballinamore, Leitrim, Ireland to hardworking parents who in October 1966 took the brave decision to move the family to Aylesford, Kent in pursuit of greater employment opportunities.
Pat tried his hand at several professions before starting work for Pat Burke and little did he know the influence this would have on the rest of his life. It was Pat Burke who loaned Pat the money to buy his first digger for £2,200, and it was he who encouraged Pat to go it alone by telling him,”there’s enough work for everyone”. And so Gallagher the business was born and Pat Burke remains a dear friend to the Gallagher family to this day.
Shortly after the company was founded, Pat’s wife Mary joined him to manage the accounts and transform the business into a family one. Between 1976 to 1980 Pat and Mary would have 4 children; Richard, Lyndsey, Nicola and Stephen, all of whom are very proud of the business their parents built and 3 work in the business today.
In 1988, Pat purchased Hermitage Farm with the belief that there was stone underneath to quarry. He was proved right and the business expanded with the creation of Gallagher Aggregates in 1990. The aggregates side of the business has gone from strength to strength and is today a leading supplier of aggregate and concrete materials across the South East.
From humble beginnings, the Gallagher Group has developed into a business with a turnover of over £150 million. We employ over five-hundred local people, some of whom are second or third family generations.
In 1973 Pat’s ambition was to offer an unrivalled service to his clients, which still holds true to this day, but it wouldn’t be possible without the people that make the group what it is.
“I’ve been fortunate to employ some of the very best people in the industry.”
Pat Gallagher, Gallagher Group Chairman
So, to celebrate 50 years in business we plan to celebrate this huge milestone with a few parties, charity challenges and the usual group events.
We hope you’ll all join us to celebrate the last 50 years, as we look forward to the next 50.
