Please introduce yourself… 

Tom and Pippa Prichard – Directors of Prichard Holdings.

Tell us a bit about Prichard’s  

How did it all begin?
The origins of Prichard’s started in 1995 with a tractor and trailer and a desire to deliver excellent service, safely, reliably and cost effectively. Based in Llantrisant, our work started locally as a plant hire company and grew quickly, building on the unrivalled levels of service and trust we provide, qualities that have remained with us throughout our history. 

We are now a leading provider of construction and support services to both the private and public sectors throughout Wales, the Midlands and South West. Prichard’s offer a full range of services including demolition, site clearance, remediation, quarrying, bulk earthworks, drainage, infrastructure services, along with recycling and waste management.  

How has Prichards evolved over the last 27 years?

The business group has diversified extensively during its growth and now boasts operations and expertise in the demolition, recycling, rail, remediation and civil engineering sectors, becoming one of Wales’ largest family run privately owned multi-disciplinary businesses.

Our dedication to excellence is driven by our staff and it is a fundamental core of our business that we ensure their safety, as well as that of our clients and other stakeholders affected by our work is enshrined in our culture. The dedication of our people and the shared values that unite us give our many stakeholders the confidence to trust us and do business with us. As a family business, we have a collective commitment to operate sustainably and safely wherever we operate, maximising the benefits to locate communities wherever possible.

With over 300 employees Prichard’s is an ever growing family run company and we look forward to continued growth in the years to come. 

Who are your key clients?

We work closely with a number of local authorities throughout Wales and the Midlands. We also supply our services to companies such as Balfour Beatty, Persimmon Homes, Wales and West Utilities and Taylor Wimpey.

When did you first come across Penllyn Estate?

We first came across Penllyn Estate back when Tom was just a teenager. Tom undertook work for the Homfray family with his tractor and trailer, working on the silage for Andrew Shakell’s, the now Estate Manager of Penllyn Estates, farming business and completing small groundworks jobs when he purchased his first mini digger. Just a few years later, we were back as a fast growing company, with a small fleet of HGV’s and as an emergent plant hire business. We then embarked on one of our first large scale projects here where we constructed the concrete slabs and erected the farm buildings to create cattle sheds. We were also very proud to be able to deliver the completed project of erecting the entrance to Forage directly off the A48 back in 2020.

What’s your favourite part of the job? 

Our favourite part of the job is being able to give our employees the opportunity to grow and expand their skills and knowledge within the company and essentially ‘work their way up the ladder’. Pippa is currently our Human Resources and Transport Manager and continues to push for growth from within. 90% of our management and supervisory teams began as lorry drivers or machine operatives and have been given the training and support necessary to help them achieve the required qualifications to be able to manage and guide their own workforce, as well as ensuring we complete all tasks to the very best of our ability. We are delighted when we are able to offer and supply a high quality service to customers with an ever-growing fleet of machinery and HGV’s, along with a strong workforce.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve taken on?  

One of the most interesting projects we’ve taken on is when we decommissioned three gas holder tanks, which included the de-watering of methane contaminated water and dealing with the environmental de-sludging of the material. We then progressed to demolish the tanks and then fully remediated the land for development.

Have you had any amusing disasters?!  

We were contracted to clean the estuary in Britain Ferry – all was going well but we forgot to tell the machine operative to check the tide times. After a few missed calls and panicked voicemails, we managed to get hold of him but it was too late… the tide was in and the machine was sinking – fast! Luckily, with a team of vehicles we managed to pull it out, just in the nick of time!

As a loyal Forage customer, what is it you like most about Forage?  

Pippa spends quite a bit of time at Forage with our 3 young children during the summer months. We all love Forage Away where we can grab a hot coffee and the children choose a milkshake or a sweet treat. The outdoor area has enough space for the children to explore, come rain or shine, and the vintage tractor is a perfect addition, especially for our tractor-mad boys.

What’s your favourite Forage product? 

There are so many to choose from, however, we absolutely love the BBQ boxes. The meats are delicious and the breads and sauces you can pick up in the shop make the perfect accompaniments.  

Quick Fire!

Coffee or Tea?
Tea

Bacon Butty or Full Welsh Breakfast?
Full Welsh Breakfast

Cake or Pastry?
Pastry

Beach or Walk? 
Beach

Tractors or Smart Cars? 
Tractors