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BUILDING A LEGACY LANDSCAPE
Local building contractor Emery Brothers celebrates milestone birthday .
Bath building contractor Emery Brothers is celebrating 75 years in business .
The family business was founded in the city in 1947 following the need to rebuild Bath after the second world war . Despite harsh trading conditions in its early years and seven recessions the firm has continued to thrive and build on its founders ’ foundations , having now served four generations .
Today Emery Brothers is headed up by current brothers Julian and Simon Emery , with the next generation Felix Emery and Ieuan James in training to take the business into the future .
Speaking of the firm ’ s success , Julian Emery , Managing Director , said , “ I believe the key to our family ’ s success has been sticking to what we do best and knowing our market . We work within a 25-mile radius of Bath and concentrate on complex projects and listed buildings . Our niche is conservation masonry , joinery and high-end new builds .”
Emery Brothers currently employs 28 office staff , a labour force of 60 and 40 subcontractors . Julian , said , “ We ’ re passionate about growing our own local talent and are proud of the team culture we ’ ve created . Over the years we have continued to invest in apprentice employees and have an in-house apprenticeship scheme . We host award ceremonies celebrating our apprentice ’ s success and progression within the firm . Ian Lewis now retired , started out with us at 16 and spent his whole career with Emery Brothers , retiring as a Senior Project Manager . I think that ’ s quite special and says something about the way we treat and nurture our employees .”
The foundations of the business haven ’ t changed since its inception , with the majority of Emery Brothers work based around restoring historic Bath . The city has a stock of circa 10,000 listed buildings which are in constant need of maintenance , repair and refurbishment which keeps the firm in demand .
Talking about Emery ’ s work over the years , Julian , said , “ One of the projects that I ’ m most proud of is Westwood House , a country manor in Colerne . It has a dancefloor which sinks down and transforms into a swimming pool .
“ I joined the business in 1997 and during that time the most challenging job has been working on the Bath Abbey Footprint Project due the complexities of it being situated on a World Heritage Site with over 3000 burials under the Abbey floor ! The bones were all mixed up and four lead coffins were discovered . However , the results are something to be extremely proud of . So much so , that we ’ re hosting a special event at the Abbey to celebrate our 75 years with architects , engineers , clients and key members of the Bath community . A memory for us all to cherish and celebrate the fruits of our labour .”
As we move into 2023 , Emery Brothers is working on tenders to secure its position for future years and is always on the lookout for new ecclesiastical and high-end residential and commercial work .
Julian added , “ As a family we are all proud of our grandfather and father ’ s legacy and would love for it to continue to pass down the generations and be here for another 75 years . No pressure , son !”
Durslade Farm , Hauser and Wirth Gallery in Bruton . Photo by Helene Binet .
Emery Brothers is headed up by current brothers Julian and Simon Emery ( centre ), with the next generation Ieuan James ( left ) and Felix Emery ( right ) in training to take the business into the future .
" Emery Brothers ethos has always been to work hard , play fair and stay grounded . We value craftmanship and loyalty . I know my that dad and uncles would be proud to know that the business that they created back in 1947 is still going strong 75 years later .”
Rex Emery , Former Managing Director , Emery Brothers
Westwood House
10 www . tbebathandsomerset . co . uk