Looking forward, looking back
Jackson has a long and successful history
The projects were smaller then, and so was the kit.
1952
Founded
The company was founded by Frank Jackson as ‘Roadworks 1952 Ltd’, a public works contractor. Early contracts included infrastructure for housing schemes and highway improvements.
1960s
Growth and development
The company’s growth and diversification gathered pace as it developed new expertise and new business in building, surfacing and plant hire.
Founder Frank Jackson (right) with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at the opening of Histon Bridge.
Life on Mars — One of the 1970s’ fashions was gender bias (thankfully that’s history too).
1970s
Confidence through reliability
As the company grew, its reputation opened doors to ever larger and higher profile projects. In 1976, it won its first £1m contract.
1980s
Public success
In 1987 Jackson Group joined the London Stock Exchange official list.
By the 1980s Jackson had its own laboratory testing service. Here, a sample of aggregate from Kesgrave in Suffolk is being taken.
A giant Christmas cracker was called for to celebrate the opening of the second phase of the A11 dualling scheme in December 1995.
1990s
Reach and rebranding
After forty years, founder, Frank Jackson retired, leaving behind a much larger business. Its wider operational focus and regional capability drove a rebrand from Roadworks 1952 Ltd to Jackson Civil Engineering.
2000s
Buy out triggers big changes
A management buy out, led by the then chief executive, Richard Neall laid foundations for investment and expansion of the company’s capabilities and its continued growth as a professional engineering contractor.
The management buy-out team who took charge of Jackson in 2004.
All the directors from the One Group Companies got together for this picture…. assembled around Ray, the retired JCB digger that still today takes pride of place in reception.
2010s
Group restructure increases opportunity
Richard Neall took control of eight companies providing a range of services to the construction industry, rebranding as One Group Construction. Jackson Civil Engineering, the largest member of the group, appointed Brian Crofton managing director.
2020s
Forward planning
Today, Jackon operates out of seven offices across England, employing around 350 staff. We also engage scores of small businesses who we subcontract to work on our projects.
We are fortunate enough to work for a broad range of clients across different sectors, and our workload has grown with these organisations in recent times.
We have set out a plan where our business over the next five years will experience controlled growth, so that we are able to meet and hopefully exceed our long-term goals of being a stable and successful business.
Every two years the whole company gets together.