Bagnalls Celebrate 150th Anniversary

Bagnalls, based in Cleckheaton celebrates 150 years as a family run and managed business on March 13th, 2025. Originally established in 1875 by Alfred Bagnall, the company is now managed by fifth generation and great, great grandson Stephen Bagnall.

Stephen describes the landmark event in the company’s history, “Today, we celebrate 150 years since Alfred Bagnall, my great, great-grandfather founded the company."

“Alfred’s original vision and determination has seen the company transform from its humble beginnings in Shipley in 1875 to now being the UK’s leading specialist painting and decorating firms, still with its roots firmly in Yorkshire."

“As I reflect on the company’s heritage, I can’t help but wonder, what Alfred would make of Bagnalls today? Would he have imagined that the business he built with such care, dedication and skill would still be thriving 150 years later, now led by the fifth generation, with the sixth generation already making their mark? I somehow doubt it."

“His world was one of horse-drawn carts and handwritten accounts, yet, at its core, Bagnalls remains what it has always been, a family business built on values, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to its people and customers.”

Bagnalls has a wealth of experience in the painting and decorating industry and includes landmark projects such as the original Wembley Stadium painted in the 1920s and a new pharmaceutical plant for Boots in Beeston, in the 1930s, when Bagnalls first used a new paint product called Dulux.

More recent projects from the 1990s onwards include the Alhambra Theatre and Salt’s Mill in Bradford, where world famous artist David Hockney donned a Bagnalls’ bib and brace. Bagnalls are proud to name amongst their customers household names including, JCB, Oxfam, Jaguar Landrover, Cadent Gas and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Now, celebrating the company’s 150th anniversary, Bagnalls has grown from a small painting contractor into a national leader in their industry, evolving with economic shifts and industry trends whilst maintaining core values of safety, integrity, respect and people. This journey of expansion, strategic adaptation, and commitment to training and development has positioned Bagnalls as the premier specialist painting and decorating company in the UK.

Stephen adds “We were recently named Employer of the Year at the 2025, Yorkshire Business awards, a true testament to the people who have helped make the business what it is today. I remain committed to safety, quality and long-term family ownership and focused on ensuring the company’s legacy for future generations.”

As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds, "Bagnalls are celebrating a wonderful anniversary, a milestone to be truly proud of. This is an incredible story of a family firm that continues to achieve great things too. They took home three titles at the most recent Family Business of the Year Awards, including the crown as Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year 2024 which they currently hold as they celebrate their anniversary."

"Bagnalls are without exception, a shining example of a great British family business with all the positive attributes in place. Proud of their heritage, committed to their values and their people with family members leading by example, not to mention the quality of their craftsmanship,"

"We wish them continued success as they look forward to the next 150 years too."