You often hear of a family business going back a generation or two, but not many can go back five generations to the early 1800s.
However, that is exactly what Laois based Terry Higgins Builders can lay claim to.
From William Higgins in 1810, the Higgins family has been associated with building work and the construction industry ever since. Following William’s footsteps were his son Jonathan, grandson William, great-grandson Terry senior and great, great grandson and current incumbent Terry Jnr.
The Portarlington based family are needless to say synonymous with the building trade in their locality and we spoke to Terry about the success of the business.
“We have dated it back as far as 1810 when William Higgins was working as a plasterer, but there could have been more before that,” stated Terry.
Terry Higgins Builders has always been busy and one would assume that they have carried out projects all over the country, but the company managing director revealed a different tale.
“All our work is carried out generally within a 15-mile radius of our headquarters in Portarlington. We would cover parts of Offaly and Kildare, but we don’t do any work in Dublin, we are kept busy enough where we are.”
The family run business specialises in one-off houses from a green field site to completion as well as extensions and renovations with jobs varying in price from €500 to €2 million, which shows that no job is too big or small for this experienced firm.
“We would attract a lot of work in the area and most of it comes through word of mouth, which I believe is the best form of advertising. Our reputation probably precedes us at this stage and our focus is always to deliver the highest quality of work possible and ensure customer satisfaction.”
Terry Higgins Builders has a long tradition of excellence in the building industry. This has been achieved by carrying out all projects with diligence, expertise and a dedication to quality workmanship.
Renowned for their dedication to their clients and projects, the company work in the domestic and commercial sectors with all aspects of each build are overseen and managed with the aim of delivering the highest standard of construction and customer satisfaction.
“We liaise closely with our clients throughout each project, ensuring that their vision and plan are delivered on time and within budget. The details of every build, regardless of complexity or function, are given the time and attention necessary to guarantee they are completed to our own and the clients satisfaction,” stated Terry.
“We use only the very best and proven materials, helping keep down costs and providing a build that is both safe and economical. All aspects of every build, from foundation to roof, are carried out with a level of professionalism, commitment and scrutiny that will not be surpassed.”
Terry Higgins Builders employs 15 employees direct, most of who have been with them for many years, while they also use a select group of sub-contractors who too have been representing the company for years.
“We are fortunate to have a good work force here, all of whom are very experienced at what they do and have given the company many years’ service. They have played a big part in the success of the business.”
Terry’s nephew Jonathan has been with the company for the past few years and he revealed that they are currently working on a number of interesting projects.
“We are carrying out a full refurbishment of a retired Nuns’ home in Mountmellick. We will be there until Christmas. We are also working on the primary school in Rathangan and following the lockdown, we have a backlog of work to catch up on.”
Back to Terry and he confirms what many builders have stated in the past year or two that there is a lack of skilled labour in the country at present.
“There is a void there with regards to skilled workers. Many lads left the construction industry when the recession hit and they never returned, while there was a lack of young people getting involved after that. It is definitely a situation that needs addressing.”
Health and Safety has always been paramount for the company and the safety of their employees is at the forefront of their priorities.
“We would always have placed a great emphasis on health and safety. We have our own health and safety officer who oversees every project and gives weekly updates on all jobs. We have implemented all Covid-19 regulations and we are working to the guidelines in place.”
Terry admits that like everyone else, has never seen anything like 2020. “This year has been different to say the least. We were off for a few weeks like everyone else, but did do some call out work for the HSE.
“Since we came back, we have been very busy and it looks as if that will continue into next year. Whether there will be a recession or not, it is possible, but no one really knows how things will go. We have been through a few recessions and setbacks at this stage, so we feel that we have the experience to get through whatever waits ahead for us.”
Contact Details:
Terry Higgins Builders
Patrick Street, Kilmalogue, Portarlington, Co Laois, R32 EP99.
Tel: 087 2605117, 085 1532391
email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, March, Vol 7 No 3
