From setting up a Joseph Gallagher Limited (JGL) company bank account in 1982 with a mere £5 at the age of 37, to becoming one of the most respected businessmen in the tunnelling industry. Proud owner AND Chairman of the Joseph Gallagher Group – Irishman, Josie Gallagher celebrates 40 years since the inception of JGL. The business proudly remains with the same bank (HSBC) to this very day.

Josie prides his business on never having lost a client in 40 years and still stands by his core values of delivering quality and operating as an open and honest business with the ethos of hard work and technical excellence. Josie sits as Chairman and is still very much at the helm of both strategic and operational decisions.

His passion for tunnelling has cascaded down to the family with some of his children now members of the Strategic Board and appointed into integral roles to ensure the legacy continues.

The Group is currently going through a succession process with the Gallagher family to ensure its future security as the second generation take the reins in the coming years. 

CEO Steve Harvey who has been with the business for the last 12 years said “It is fantastic to be celebrating 40 years since the inception of Joseph Gallagher Ltd and to now have a Group with a turnover of more than £100 million with the same ethos that Josie set out with all those years ago. The business is run following Josies values for hard work and honesty and if it wasn’t I wouldn’t be here. The 40-year celebration coincides with the culmination of a succession process commenced 2 years ago which will see Josie’s legacy safeguarded and the next generation take the business forwards in the years to come.”

Josie adds: “When I formed the company - Joseph Gallagher London Ltd (as it was known then) – back in 1982, I think I can be honest in saying that I didn’t envision is still being in business some 4- years later. I’m very proud and humbled by the success and longevity the company has enjoyed over the last few decades, and, in all honesty, it is a testament to the hard work, skill and expertise of all the men and women the business has employed over the last 40 years. It always has been - and always will be – the workforce that makes the company what it is.”

A very special celebration evening was held at the Arsenal Emirates Stadium to commemorate the 40 years, last month. Family, friends, associates, current and old staff all came together to celebrate the remarkable efforts and accomplishments of the business.

In the spirit of the 40-year celebrations – the Group will soon be launching a brand new website and refreshed collateral to further mark the milestone.