By Beverly Rademacher

Copyright expressandstar

The company, today based in Moseley Road, Bilston, started out as a church, school and house decorator and was located in Horsley Fields, Wolverhampton, until 1969. To keep pace with changing social and industry trends, however, the company has evolved through the decades to its current role as a principal building, refurbishment and framework contracting specialist.

It’s been a big year for the business, which was established in 1900 by painter and decorator William Gough whose aim to “do the best possible job and show a keen eye for detail’ remains at the heart of the company’s ethos today.

As well as marking the huge milestone anniversary, 2025 has seen the firm named Family Business of the Year at the Express & Star Business Awards, in June, with the judges praising the company as “a remarkable family business” with a deep-rooted understanding of its heritage, a strong financial position and clear strategic direction, plus a passion for supporting rising stars and the local community.

It was a proud moment for Jonathan and John Gough, business partners, cousins and third-generation owners, at the helm of the Gough Group, which employs around 200 people across its group of companies comprising William Gough & Sons, William Gough Ltd, G Evans Services Ltd and Gough Fire.

They were delighted with the win – crediting their dedicated team of employees for their continued success.

Similarly the anniversary celebration also served as a big thank you to their committed team, especially their numerous long-serving employees who were rewarded for their service with significant awards.

Among them was longest-serving staff member Lynn Parks who has been with the business for 47 years, first serving as a PA to Douglas Gough, and today working part-time in accounts.

Company director Jonathan Gough said the fun day was held in “recognition of all the colleagues who’ve been with us for such a long time but in particular celebrating colleagues who have served 25 years or more”.

He added: “There were 32 of them and they had an incredible 1,000 years of collective service between them, it’s quite remarkable. We’re immensely proud of what they’ve achieved and how the culture of the company is continuing.”

The event, held at Wolverhampton Cricket Club, included a marquee, entertainment from a 25-piece brass brand and a DJ, plus food from Digbeth Dining Club and an open bar.

Around 350 people attended the event and Mr Gough said: “The day was for everyone. It was very inclusive and everyone got on really well. I think everyone was really pleased with what we did. It was a real, positive, morale-boosting good day out. We celebrated our birthday but mainly it was about recognising the people who’ve done the hard work over many decades and also encouraging the young people to take it on and carry on for the future.”

The company prides itself on its people, he said, adding: “People are our greatest asset.”

The firm is also a big believer in “making a difference in the community”, a huge supporter of The Way in Wolverhampton, Compton Hospice. Wolverhampton Rugby Club and Bloxwich FC. The Gough Group also sponsored the recent 2025 Express & Star Black Country Heroes Awards (NHS Hero Award).

Looking to the future, Mr Gough outlined plans to continue to seek organic growth and to keep its workforce skilled and equipped to take the business forward as it looks to the next 125 years.

He said: “We’re winning strategic partnerships all the time with local authorities and health authorities. Our plans are to keep on growing organically and satisfying the ambitions of the people within the business.”