The TB Davies Heritage
With a heritage spanning four generations, TB Davies combines traditional family values, with a dedication to keeping our colleagues, community and customers safe. From our modern three and a half acre facility in Cardiff Bay, we ensure every fitting, material and solution is carefully designed and stringently checked to keep you safe when working at height.
Timeline
The Early Years – The Household Cavalary
Thomas Brynley Davies, known as Bryn to his friends, photographed in his ceremonial uniform of the Life Guards, a senior regiment of the British army and part of the Household Cavalry.
The 1930s – A Return to Civilian Life
Between the wars, Bryn returned to civilian life and was a prominent local businessman. Here he is pictured (far right) as part of a trip of South Wales business people to pay their respects at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triumph in Paris.
The 1940s – A Promise Made to a Fellow Serviceman
During the Second World War, Bryn is a Commandant of the Police Special Constables in Cardiff where he makes a promise to a fellow serviceman that a job will be waiting when the war is over. In 1945 Bryn sold his house to finance establishing the business and keep that promise.
The 1950s – TB Davies Becomes a Limited Company
Bryn (seated) steps back from the day-to-day running of the business, and Colin Morgan (pictured 2nd from left), whom he made a promise of a job during the war takes over daily operations. The company has diversified and is selling a revolutionary new electrical cable called Capothene that has a polythene sheath making it more durable than traditional rubber.
The 1960s – Innovative Aluminium Ladders Arrive
TB Davies gains the franchise to sell aluminium ladders for Lloyds Ladders of Droitwich in South Wales after spotting an advert in the Guardian newspaper. Bryn’s grandson, Patrick Gray joins the company to sell the benefits of the then-revolutionary material aluminium over traditional wooden ladders.
The 1970s – Company Expands Across UK
Patrick Takes over as Managing Director and begins selling nationally, advertising in publications such as Exchange & Mart and Country Gentlemen, delivering via TNT using their new innovative next day delivery service. The product portfolio continues to diversify and includes, amongst others, converting polystyrene using CNC high-tech machinery and fencing products as the company tests different ideas and strategies, some of which remained for many years.
The 1980s – Larger Premises Required
The ability to deliver the next day became a “big” hit as it placed the company close to its customers. A move to new premises on Penarth Road allowed the company to continue innovating being amongst the first to introduce compact hinged ladders to the UK market. The company now had a strong reputation for quality and service and developed a network of independent and national distributors, including the likes of Argos.
The 1990s – Steel Step Manufacturing Begins
With an enviable reputation throughout the industrial sector, the company introduces a heavy-duty line of welded steel Mobile Safety Steps aimed at the warehousing and manufacturing markets. It acquires the business assets from respected manufacturer Ronco and adds Kik Steps™ and Stepmobiles™ to its expanding product portfolio.
The 2000s – Joins Forces with Little Giant Ladders & Xtend+Climb
The focus is firmly on ladders and climbing products, TB Davies begins a long-standing relationship to distribute American brands Little Giant Ladders Systems and Xtend+Climb in the UK. Both companies are experts in their fields engineering innovative, safe and durable products for the pro-user and discerning home-owner.
The 2010s – Growth Expansion & Recognition of Work Achievement
To continue expansion, the company moves to a modern three and a half acre facility in Cardiff Bay. The new site allows the company to extend its range and stock holding to include podiums and scaffold towers. Patrick continues as Chairman of the board with Bryn’s great-grandson, pictured second right, taking over as Managing Director. To David’s right are his brothers James and Mat, fellow Company Directors responsible for Communications and Quality respectively.
Celebrating 80 Years — Still Climbing Since 1945
In 2025, TB Davies proudly marks its 80th year in business — a rare milestone that celebrates not only our heritage but our enduring family ownership. Since 1945, the fourth-generation family has led the company with the same values it was founded on: quality, dependability, and care. From our beginnings in post-war Cardiff to our modern headquarters in Splott, we’ve continued to innovate, grow, and help people work safely at height. Eight decades on, we’re still climbing — together.