History
1929 – Launch
Walter Carefoot sets up in business in minor residential repairs and small farm works. He quickly builds a reputation for quality work at a competitive price. Grows the business to 30 people in the first 10 years and builds several houses locally. Buys first wagon.
1939 – 45 – Supporting the war efforts
The company builds air-raid shelters for schools and cotton mills, while the transport arms grows to four wagons, hauling to and from the port of Liverpool. Transport of stone to Warton Aerodrome allowed for the extension to take United States aircraft, and transport of stone to Inskip aerodrome enabled increased fleet air arm activity.
1957 – Growth years
Carefoot buys first JCB, which opened up further work opportunities. The business does more work in the farming industry and enters the civil engineering sector.
1963 – Succession
Walter retires from the company and Colin Carefoot is appointed managing director. Clive Carefoot joins the business and develops the transport company.
1966 – Expansion
Continued expansion includes major drainage schemes, road works and flood defences. Carefoot opens a reginal office in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to cater for increased Esso service station work.
1969 – Growing fleet
Carefoot invests in its first articulated lorry to supplement growing fleet of four, six and eight wheeled vehicles.
1982 – New markets
Carefoot expands construction company into housing association, commercial and industrial sectors.
1989 – A building fit for a Queen
Colin retires and Clive is appointed managing director, and Carefoot’s Longridge HQ is extended. Its transport fleet grows to 30 wagons, and the company expands into educational, hospital and ecclesiastical work. Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Phillip officially open Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn.
2000 – 120 staff
The Carefoot team reaches 120 with the opening of a regional office in Manchester.
2001 – Colin at the helm
Clive retires and Colin is appointed MD. Carefoot enters the residential homes-to-let sector which grows quickly to 36 properties.
2007- Trusted partner for local authorities
Carefoot becomes a major partner for local authorities and councils across the North.
2012 – Office refurbishments
Carefoot relocates its Manchester office to Warrington and increases workload in the major office refurbishment, new schools and large hospital project arenas.
2016 – Topping £30m
Carefoot’s haulage company expanded to 40 vehicles and the work area now includes Cumbria, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Carefoot’s turnover tops £30million for the first time.
2019 – Carefoot is 90
Carefoot celebrates 90 years in business.
2024 – Focusing on construction
Carefoot closes its transport division after almost 60 years, allowing the business to concentrate its resources and expertise on growing its construction arm and delivering high-quality projects across the region.