On Saturday 25th July, Gregor Heating & Renewables celebrated an incredible milestone – 40 years in business.
From one engineer with a vision to one of the South West’s leading independent heating, electrical and renewable energy companies, it’s been a journey built on hard work, resilience, innovation and, above all, people.
We sat down with founder and Managing Director Steve Gregor to reflect on the last four decades, the lessons learned, the challenges overcome and what lies ahead.
An Incredible Journey
Looking back over 40 years, when Gregor was established in 1986, Steve had no idea how far the business would grow but Steve describes the experience simply.
“It’s been an amazing journey with many ups and downs and challenges to navigate through, but overall, it’s been an incredible adventure with a great sense of pride.”
Growing up in a self-employed family, running his own business almost felt inevitable.
“My dad and uncle both worked for themselves. Sadly, my dad passed away at a young age, which was a turning point in my life. People kept saying, ‘Why don’t you do it yourself?’ That planted the seed.”
The defining moment came whilst Steve was subcontracting for a company based in Devizes.
“They were awarded a new build site and asked me if I could take on the running of the site and supplying the labour, this led on to other opportunities, more sites and eventually clients were approaching me directly – that was when I realised that it was my time. It’s grown beyond any expectations.”
There have been many highlights over the years. Winning the company’s first new-build contract was a proud achievement, but one of the biggest milestones came in 2014 when Gregor secured a landmark 10-year, £20 million contract with Knightstone Housing Association.
“That contract gave us security and stability at an important time. It allowed us to invest in the business while the new-build market was still recovering from the 2008 crash.”
Yet when Steve reflects on the last 40 years, it’s not contracts that come to mind first.
“The biggest part has been working alongside some great people who share the same passion.”
Reputation Is Everything
Heating technology has changed enormously since Gregor was founded, but one thing hasn’t.
The company’s commitment to doing the right thing.
The Gregor Promise – “We’re not happy till you’re happy” – has guided the business from day one.
“Our reputation is everything. We’ve always wanted to exceed customers’ expectations.”
That philosophy extends beyond customer service.
“It’s about instilling our core values and leading by example.”
Steve believes Gregor’s reputation has been built through honest advice, skilled workmanship, value for money and always putting customers first.
He learned that lesson from his very first private customer.
“Gwyn and Irene and their son-in-law Gary, a good friend, always encouraged me to go out on my own and recommended me to other people. That’s really how the private side of the business started to grow.”
It’s a lesson that’s stayed with him ever since.
“If you do a good job, charge a fair price and genuinely look after people, they’ll recommend you. Your reputation is everything.”
Investing in the Future
One of Steve’s greatest sources of pride is seeing apprentices develop into skilled engineers.
“They’re the future of our business. Having a highly skilled workforce is essential, but it’s also incredibly rewarding watching our next generation of apprentices grow into skilled engineers.”
Craig was Steve’s first ever apprentice. Over the years, he has grown and developed alongside the business and is now Gregor’s Operations Director – a great example of how an apprenticeship can be the beginning of a long-term career within the company.
Gregor has become well known for developing young talent, recently receiving recognition for its commitment to supporting future construction professionals.
But for Steve, technical knowledge is only part of the picture.
“We want apprentices to learn life skills too – communication, respect, making a good first impression and treating people how you’d want to be treated yourself.”
With experienced mentors supporting them throughout their careers, Gregor continues this ethos today.
“Seeing someone join us with little experience and become a confident tradesperson is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
Never Standing Still
Another reason Gregor has remained successful is its willingness to embrace change.
Long before renewable heating became mainstream, Steve recognised where the industry was heading.
“I could always see the future changing and wanted us to be ahead of the competition by offering something different.”
Today, Gregor is one of the region’s leading renewable installers, helping homeowners and businesses transition to lower-carbon technologies including air source heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage.
“It’s incredibly satisfying. We’re all much more aware of sustainability now. It really is the new carbon revolution.”
Looking back, Steve believes the pace of change has been remarkable.
“For years, not much changed in the industry. Then combi boilers transformed home heating, and now renewables are doing exactly the same, at a very rapid pace.”
His advice?
“Keep an open mind. Technology will continue to evolve, and we need to keep learning and adapting.”
Lessons Learned
Building Gregor hasn’t always been easy.
During the early years, as a single father, Steve often attended 24/7 evening emergency call-as a way of building relationships with housing associations.
“It wasn’t unusual for the children to come with me – I appreciate this is not something you would do nowadays but looking back, it gave them a real insight into the hard work involved in building a business”
The toughest business challenge came during the financial crisis of 2008.
“One day we were incredibly busy and the next everything stopped almost overnight.”
Instead of standing still, Gregor adapted.
By expanding into private domestic work and housing association contracts, the business became more resilient.
“It taught us never to have all our eggs in one basket. It reinforced the importance of good financial management and always planning ahead.”
Those lessons proved invaluable during later challenges, including COVID-19.
“You can’t prepare for everything, but if you’ve built strong foundations, with financial stability, you’re in a much better position to deal with whatever comes next.”
Interestingly, Steve believes the pandemic also accelerated the UK’s move towards renewable technologies.
“Renewables really gathered momentum during that period. Some of those changes probably wouldn’t have happened as quickly otherwise.”
It’s Always Been About People
When asked what he’s learned most over the past four decades, Steve doesn’t talk about business strategy or profit.
He talks about people.
“You’re nothing without the right people and support around you.”
As Gregor has grown, so has his sense of responsibility.
“When you realise there are hundreds of people and their families depending on the business, you think differently. You want to build something that’s secure, sustainable and somewhere people are proud to work.”
Asked what he’s most proud of, the answer comes quickly.
“The culture we’ve built and the reputation we’ve earned. None of it would be possible without the people who work here.”
Steve also reflects recently on the loss of his very first private customer, Gwyn, earlier this year.
“He believed in me from the beginning and encouraged me to take the leap. I’ll always be grateful for his family, friendship and support.”
And when he thinks about where his own determination came from, his thoughts turn to his late father.
“Following in my father’s footsteps taught me the importance of working hard to achieve your goals.”
Looking Ahead
Although Gregor has changed enormously over the last 40 years, Steve believes its greatest strength is that it has never stopped evolving.
With younger engineers and managers progressing through the business, continued investment in technology and a commitment to continuous improvement, he’s excited about the future.
“We’ve got a great group of younger people coming through, not just as engineers but into management too. We’re investing in technology and always looking at ways to improve the customer journey.”
His ambition is simple.
“To know the business is left in safe hands and continues to prosper.”
As Gregor celebrates this milestone, Steve is keen to thank everyone who has played a part in the company’s journey.
“I’d like to thank my team, especially those who’ve stood by me through the tough times. Their loyalty, support and trust have meant everything.”
He also has a message for every employee, apprentice, customer, supplier and partner who has been part of Gregor’s story.
“Thank you for your dedication, support and camaraderie. I’ve been truly blessed with an incredible network of people around me.”
Forty years on, Gregor continues to embrace new technology while staying true to the values it was founded on.
Because some things never change.
Quality – Trust – People.
And one simple promise that has guided the business since 1986:
We’re not happy till you’re happy.