Still Climbing – 80 Years of TB Davies
Family-Owned Since 1945. Four Generations of Integrity, and Care.
A Family Business Built to Last
For 80 years, TB Davies has remained a proud family business — built on trust, hard work, and shared purpose. From our beginnings in post-war Cardiff to our modern home in Splott, our story is one of integrity, craftsmanship, and care
Our Journey
1945
After WWII, Bryn and Colin launched their first venture selling sterilisers and disinfectants before securing the Capothene Cables agency — pioneers of plastic-insulated cables in a rubber-dominated market.
1950’s
As Britain rebuilt, TB Davies grew through innovation and integrity. Supplying Capothene to council housing projects, the business expanded rapidly during the Korean War era.
With more staff and new ideas, TB Davies began experimenting with Expanded Polystyrene for insulation — achieving early successes with projects like the Julian Hodge Building and Heath Hospital.”
1960’s
A pivotal year. Patrick Gray, Bryn’s grandson, joined TB Davies and helped secure the UK franchise for Lloyd’s Aluminium Ladders. Aluminium was new to the market, and Patrick spent his early years convincing customers it was the future.
1970’s
TB Davies expanded to a 5,000 sq. ft. site, supporting the growing ladder stock and mail order under the Taskmaster brand. With TNT next-day delivery and nationwide advertising, TB Davies became a household name.
Following strong sales through Exchange & Mart, the company expanded again to 9,000 sq. ft. Despite the 1974 downturn, TB Davies endured by focusing on ladders and polystyrene packaging.
1980’s
Colin Morgan retired in 1979 after 35 years, and Patrick Gray became Managing Director. Under his leadership, TB Davies introduced telesales, grew national distribution, and continued to strengthen its reputation for reliability.
The company introduced PAL multipurpose ladders and began importing from the Far East, one of the first UK ladder firms to do so. TB Davies became a trusted supplier to councils and contractors nationwide.
1990’s
TB Davies launched its steel mobile safety steps and expanded into industrial distribution. In the late 1990s, the company pioneered e-commerce with the Ladders-Online platform.”
2000’s
Early in the millennium, TB Davies partnered with Little Giant Ladders and later launched Xtend+Climb telescopic ladders — cementing its role as a leader in innovation and product quality.
2015’s
After 70 years of continuous growth, TB Davies moved to its new 3.5-acre headquarters — just streets away from founder Bryn Davies’ birthplace. A symbolic return home for a proud Cardiff company.
2020’s
Under David Gray’s leadership, TB Davies continues to innovate and grow, expanding partnerships with Little Giant and Xtend+Climb, while proudly manufacturing ladders from our Lewis Road facility in Cardiff.
Still family-owned — a rarity in today’s industry — TB Davies remains committed to quality, safety, and service, continuing to help professionals across the UK work safely at height.
2025
To celebrate 80 years of innovation and family leadership, TB Davies releases Still Climbing — a special film retracing its journey through Cardiff and honouring three generations of family stewardship.
A Legacy of Leadership
Patrick and David Gray retrace the company’s journey through Cardiff, visiting the places that built TB Davies — and the values that keep it climbing.
Our Values
Quality
Dependability
Caring
80 Years Strong — Still Climbing
To everyone who’s been part of our journey — our colleagues, customers, and partners — thank you for 80 years of trust and support. Here’s to the next chapter of innovation and integrity.