2021 marks 75 years since Gratte Brothers opened for business and unfortunately, celebrations like many others during the pandemic had to be postponed this year.
The company was founded as an Electrical Contracting business by brothers Derrick and André Gratte on 22nd May 1946 with a starting capital of £100, a sum equivalent then to 20 weeks’ wages for a skilled tradesman. André operated from a Nissan hut in the family’s garden in Knebworth whilst Derrick established the London branch in a room above a café in Holborn. Derrick described it as “a bare room with one table and a Tate Sugar box to sit on, surrounded with coils of cable!“
Company turnover in the first 6 months was £4,825, 7s and 10d. Since those humble beginnings, the company has grown into a thriving concern with 5 divisions offering a full range of building services, over 500 staff and 6 offices as well as its own prefabrication unit in Chelmsford, all headed by the third generation of the Gratte family. The family ethos still pervades everything we do and the company’s success and longevity would not have been possible without the loyalty and dedication of every member of our teams.
Unfortunately, celebrations like many others during the pandemic will have to be postponed this year but we couldn’t let this important milestone pass by without us acknowledging this wonderful achievement so take a look at the video below to see how far Gratte Brothers has grown since 1946!