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AC BECK & SON

A Brief History

1948   Aubrey Cecil Beck left his employment as a bus driver and started painting with cousin Tom Guest.

1950   From his Sunninghill home, Aubrey started to work on his own and formally registered AC Beck Contracts.

1961   Aubrey graduated from domestic work to commercial. One of the first commercial jobs, the Old Windsor Hospital, was a big project and son John started to work for Aubrey. As a fledgling, yet astute businessman, John saw an opportunity to grow the business. The family and business moved to 3 Bosworth Gardens, Woodley and later that year the firm moved to the first dedicated base, a rented office on London Road, Reading.

1962   John’s wife Margaret began to work for AC Beck, paying wages and providing general office support, having worked at the TSB Bank in Bracknell she brought useful skills to the table. Eddie Clark joined the team followed by Ernie Longhurst. Taking on directly employed personnel was a major step for the firm.

1963   The first sub contractors were employed.

1974   Aubrey Cecil, born in 1909 retired at 65 years.

1977   Beck House in Binfield, Amen Corner became the HQ. 1978 AC Beck became a limited company.

1979   Steve joined the company age 22 years. Brothers Jonathan and Robin also became involved. As teenagers all three had worked for the firm in their school holidays.

1985   Amy, the first Beck grandchild is born and is presented with a paintbrush by John!

1988   Saw the firm move to Sandford Manor 1989 Business expansion demanded a further move to the current base at the Metro Centre near Wokingham.

1992   John is made a Freeman of the City of London, in the same year he became a member of the Painters and Stainers Livery Company and is made President of the Painting and Decorating Federation.

1995   The strategic decision is taken to work with fewer national contractors and more with architects, quantity surveyors and client companies.

1996   John retires age 60. His decision was sudden, but he said “it was the right time, Robin and Steve work well together and I continue to take a keen interest in the business and make a contribution. We are still a family firm and one of the biggest painting and contracting firms in the south east”. With this clarity of vision and a business plan based on growth and expansion, the company continues to progress and thrive.

2003   50 years in business. A landmark. Purchased Fields of Reading Ltd. - A major name in painting and decorating to add to the the AC Beck portfolio.

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