Our history

Standage & Company Limited is established by William Standage, Alan Chambers and Percy Mitchell “to carry on the trades or businesses of builders."

Alan Chambers sells his shares in the company due to his imminent calling to the Armed Forces and his desire “in the best interests of his wife to as far as possible relieve himself of all encumbrances and responsibilities and avail himself of his assets.” Hindsight reveals the magnitude of those decisions at that time.

Financial accounts for the year 1950 show continued progress for the company. However, then as now, headwinds are ever present as noted by the auditors: “The financial position needs careful watching however in view of the recent recession in trade and the tendency towards increased costs of labour and materials”.

A few years after his homecoming from World War II, Alan Charles Brain is appointed Director on 21st February 1952. Later that year, Alan asks his wife Doris to raise the mortgage on the first house they had ever shared to enable him to buy into the company. At the time Standage was carrying out ground works on behalf of the LCC and subsequently the GLC.

Alan Brain’s son, Mike, becomes Managing Director and transforms the company from a local building company to a recognised Main Contractor in London’s publicly funded commercial and housing sectors. Highlights include multi-year refurbishment and maintenance contracts with the London Borough of Southwark and the City of London Corporation.

Chris Brain, Mike’s son, takes over as Managing Director and continues the story with the company operating across Greater London and the home counties for various clients in both the public and private sectors.

Chris Moore is appointed Director following 18 years of excellent service and promotion of the business.

The Company enters its 85th year in business.