Prichard’s: From Family farm to construction powerhouse driving growth across Wales and beyond
Prichard’s: From Family farm to construction powerhouse driving growth across Wales and beyond
From a single tractor and trailer to a 400-strong workforce, Welsh construction firm Prichard’s has undergone a remarkable transformation since its founding in 1995. Now headquartered in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the company continues to scale its operations while remaining deeply rooted in its local community.
In an exclusive interview with Businessin Wales, Pippa Prichard, Director of Prichard’s, reflected on the company’s journey and the unique position it holds in Wales’ construction sector. “We started with just my husband Tom and a mini digger on his family farm. Now, we’ve got our own workshops, a research and development centre, two quarries and four recycling sites across South Wales,” said Prichard. We’ve also expanded into the demolition, remediation, civil engineering and large-scale earthworks sectors.
A growing force in Welsh construction
The company’s growth has been substantial: when it moved to its current site in 2016, it employed 150 people. Today, that number has nearly tripled. “We now have 400 members of staff,” Prichard said, highlighting the firm’s role as a major local employer.
Despite its expansion, Prichard’s remains focused on hiring locally. “Most of our employees are from the surrounding area. We’re proud to still be based in the same community where it all started,” she added.
The company has also expanded its geographical reach. “We’ve recently opened an office in Bristol, and our live sites currently stretch from Carmarthen down to Heathrow and up as far as Cambridge,” Prichard said. “We’re proud to be representing Wales on a much broader stage.”
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Women in construction
As a woman leading a large construction business, Prichard acknowledges the industry’s traditional gender imbalance. “Construction is still very male-dominated, but that’s changing,” she said. “We’ve got women HGV drivers, weighbridge operators and more. We’re creating mentorship opportunities and placing a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion.”
“I’ve seen real progress on how the industry views and supports women. We’ve worked with clients that value the skills, communication and leadership that women have – and that has been empowering.
The company also runs its own training facility, offering apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities for its employees. “We want to make it clear that careers in construction are open to everyone,” she said. “It’s important that young women see there’s a place for them in this industry.”
Prichard admits the early days were not without their challenges. “When you do start, you are faced with the obvious challenges. You’ve almost got more to prove than your male counterparts,” she said. “But I’m proud to say that more women are coming into construction every year.”
Rising to industry challenges
Like much of the sector, Prichard’s faces two key challenges: weather-related delays and labour shortages. “Last year we had almost 12 months of rain—it really delayed sites. There’s only so much you can do in those conditions,” she explained.
The bigger issue, however, is recruitment. “Getting enough people through the door is one of our biggest hurdles,” said Prichard. “That’s why we invest so much in training and development.”
The firm’s commitment to internal progression is helping to tackle that issue. “Around 80% of our managers started on the ground—as machine operators or lorry drivers—and worked their way up. We’ve even supported some staff through degrees and diplomas,” she said. “When we see someone come in as an apprentice and work their way up to site manager or higher, that fills us with immense pride.”
“If you start with us as a ground worker, an HGV driver, or an office assistant, that isn’t where you stop. There’s progression to be made.
“We need to change the perception of the industry and actively promote the wide range of career opportunities that construction offers. This starts with education – schools, colleges and career advisors to showcase construction as a modern, dynamic and rewarding industry, not just manual labour and long hours.
“Apprenticeship and training programs are key, but we also need to highlight career progression and job security. Social media, real-life success stories, like ours, and community engagement can all help make the industry more relatable and appealing.
“We have created an inclusive, supportive workplace which we hope will attract a more diverse workforce – including women, younger talent and those who are looking for a career change, which is crucial to filling the skills gap.
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Supporting mental health on site
Prichard’s has also prioritised mental health, a topic increasingly recognised as critical in the construction industry. “It’s still a taboo subject, especially in a male-heavy industry,” said Prichard. “But we’re working hard to create a supportive environment.”
The company has partnered with the Lighthouse Charity, an organisation specialising in mental health and well-being in the construction industry and trained 15 in-house mental health first aiders. “The Lighthouse Charity doesn’t just support the employee—they support families in times of need and struggle,” Prichard said.
“Supporting mental health in construction is absolutely vital, especially in an industry where longer hours and physical demands can be common.
“We are shaping a culture here at Prichard’s where it is okay to talk – we’re helping to break the stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health at all levels – from the site to the boardroom.
Building communities, not just infrastructure
Beyond bricks and mortar, Prichard’s is focused on social value and community engagement. The company appoints social value officers to liaise with local communities on major projects. “We work with local schools, community centres and residents to make sure we’re not just building sites, but building relationships,” Prichard explained.
This commitment is particularly important on large-scale developments. One of the firm’s biggest projects this year is a £15 million contract based in South Wales. Prichard described it as “a huge opportunity” and one that carries a sense of responsibility. “When we take on a job of that size, it’s about more than just the infrastructure. It’s about keeping the community happy too,” she said.
With a growing footprint in both Wales and England, Prichard’s shows no signs of slowing down. But despite its scale, the company remains committed to its founding values: community, opportunity, and sustainable growth.
“We want our staff to grow with us,” said Prichard. “That’s how we started—as a one-man band—and that’s how we’ll continue.”
