A Yorkshire Family Firm Painting A Future Built On Heritage

In an industry often driven by short-term contracts and shifting ownership, Bagnalls stands out as a rare constant. Founded in 1875 and still family-owned nearly 150 years later, the Yorkshire-based painting and decorating specialist has grown from a small Victorian enterprise into one of the UK’s most respected names in its field — without losing sight of its roots.

Headquartered in Cleckheaton with operations spanning the length of the country, Bagnalls has built its reputation on quality, craftsmanship and long-term relationships.

From heritage restoration and major infrastructure projects to commercial and industrial contracts, the business operates at scale while retaining a distinctly personal ethos.

At the helm today is Group Managing Director Stephen Bagnall, representing the fifth generation of the family to lead the company. For him, stewardship is as important as strategy.

Stephen commented:

“We’ve always seen ourselves as custodians rather than owners. The business has been here for generations, and our responsibility is to leave it stronger for the next one.”

A Yorkshire business through and through

Though Bagnalls’ reach is national, its identity is firmly rooted in Yorkshire values: straight-talking, hard-working and quietly proud. That grounding has shaped the way the company operates, from its approach to clients to the way it treats its workforce.

“Yorkshire has a strong tradition of doing things properly,” Stephen explains.

“There’s an honesty about that which runs through our culture. We don’t overpromise, and we stand by the work we do.”

That philosophy has helped Bagnalls weather economic cycles, industry disruption and changing procurement models. While many competitors have been absorbed by larger groups, Bagnalls has remained independent — a conscious decision that informs everything from investment choices to staff development.

People at the heart of the business

Employing hundreds of people across the UK, Bagnalls places significant emphasis on training and long-term careers. Apprenticeships, many of them started by school-leavers, continue to be a cornerstone of the company’s workforce strategy.

Stephen commented:

"So many of our managers and senior people started on the tools, that creates a deep understanding of the job and a huge amount of loyalty. People feel this is a place where they can build a career, not just have a job.”

That loyalty extends in both directions. The family ownership model allows Bagnalls to take a longer view when it comes to investment in people, equipment and safety — an approach that has paid dividends in retention and reputation.

Balancing tradition with innovation

While heritage is central to the Bagnalls story, the company is far from stuck in the past. Investment in modern coatings, digital project management and sustainable practices has ensured it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving sector.

“Tradition doesn’t mean standing still,” Stephen says. “Our values stay the same, but the way we deliver has to keep moving forward. Whether that’s embracing new technology or improving our environmental performance, we’re always asking how we can do better.”

Sustainability, in particular, has become an increasing focus, with the company working closely with suppliers and clients to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the high standards for which it is known.

Looking to the next chapter

Bagnalls celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025, a significant milestone for the family and the business. Now the focus is firmly on the future. Growth remains important, but not at the expense of culture or quality.

Stephen reflects:

“Success for us isn’t just about turnover. It’s about reputation, about being trusted, and about knowing that we’re still a family business in the truest sense of the word."

"Last year was an incredible year, celebrating our journey and remembering everyone who has played a part in it and it was emotional too. We moved into our new head office and built lots of references to the past in the design and refurbishment which adds our own personality and heritage to the offices but now we turn our attention to the future and the next 150 years and beyond.”

In an age of constant change, Bagnalls’ longevity is a reminder that some business principles endure. Built on Yorkshire grit, family values and pride in workmanship, it is a company that continues to paint its future with the same care and attention that has defined its past