Pearce Construction, a cornerstone of North Devon’s construction industry, is proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary, reflecting on eight decades of exceptional builds, meticulous craftsmanship and community impact across Devon.
Founded in 1946 as R Harris & Sons Builders Limited, the company quickly established itself as a leader in private housing and commercial construction, across North Devon. Over the decades, the business evolved, through changes in ownership and identity, before becoming Pearce Construction (Barnstaple) Ltd in 1987. In 2003, a management buyout restored the business to local ownership, allowing its senior leadership team to expand its footprint in the local housing market, further solidifying its reputation for delivering high-quality new homes
David Parsons, Chairman joined the business in 1982 and led the management buyout. He remarked, “From Mr. Harris’s humble beginnings in 1946, Pearce Construction has grown brick by brick, with iconic/noteable builds including Ilfracombe’s Landmark Theatre, Clovelly Visitor Centre, the regeneration of Forches Estate, Pottington Industrial Estate, North Devon College and more recently, Taw Wharf in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe’s Watersports Centre.
“Pearce Construction has left an indelible mark on the region’s built environment, a legacy built not just on bricks and mortar but on the commitment, loyalty and passion of our people,’ continued Mr Parsons. “Many who began as apprentices now lead in senior roles, including at board level. Our success has always been rooted on quality workmanship and dedication to staff development, values that continue to guide us and have earned our team national recognition.”
The landmark milestone coincides with the company’s completion of the transformation of 36 and 37 Boutport Street in Barnstaple, designed to nurture North Devon’s cultural and creative industries. This regeneration stands as a testament to Pearce Construction’s 80 years of expertise as it seamlessly blends heritage restoration with modern innovation and contemporary design.
At a celebratory event held in the newly renovated building, Managing Director, Paul Knox said, “We are delighted to celebrate our 80th anniversary with clients, partners, and employees, past and present. This project showcases everything Pearce Construction stands for, commercial expertise, residential quality, bespoke joinery and heritage renovation. The care and craftsmanship we’ve poured into Boutport Street Studios to meticulously restore original features while integrating modern services and accessibility improvements speak volumes about what we do. We’re incredibly proud of what the company has achieved over the past 80 years and the positive impact we deliver on every project.”
Looking ahead to the next 80 years, Pearce Construction has taken a visionary step to secure its future. Mr Knox explained, “In 2024 we transferred the company’s ownership into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This forward-thinking move ensures the business remains firmly in the hands of its employees, preserving its legacy and values for generations to come.”
