Centenary celebration book released by Oxford-based electrical contractor
Posted by: electime 6th July 2023
In celebration of 100 years in the industry Lowe & Oliver, an Oxford-based electrical and mechanical contractor, have commissioned and published a book outlining their history and the role played in the wider country’s electrification.
Focused mainly on Oxford, but incorporating research from across the entire country. A wide range is included from their work with the Royal Family, such as involvement in the rebuild following the Windsor Castle fire, to providing airfield guide lighting during World War Two enabling spitfires to land during the Battle of Britain.
Request the full book through the link below:
https://blog.loweoliver.co.uk/digital-centenary-book
Fred Lowe, Director Lowe & Oliver, commented on the release:
Lowe & Oliver is celebrating 100 years in the electrical industry, an incredibly rare achievement and one which is almost unheard of in such a competitive sector.
A painstaking amount of research was poured into this publication, providing intricate details about the development of both Lowe & Oliver and Oxford as a city. As we approach another era of electrification, our centenary book gives a fascinating glimpse back in time at the previous electrical revolution in the city and nationwide.
We’re planning to be as involved in the next electrification step as we were the last.
As a company, we have been blessed to work with so many wonderful Oxonians over the past 100 years. Whether that’s members of long-standing staff or established names in and around the city. None of this would have been possible without their grit, hard work and good humour – I’d like to put on record our sincere thanks to every single individual and company who has contributed to this successful centennial moment.
This book is a celebration of the previous era of electrification and the role Lowe & Oliver played in that. We all hope that you find it as fascinating as we have.
A brief history of Lowe & Oliver:
The company was founded in 1923 in Oxford by Reginald Lowe, who was soon joined by Herbert Oliver.
During the 1920s and 30s the company grew steadily, as electrification spread throughout Oxford. It was at this time that the company began its long and continuing association with the Oxford Colleges. Expansion of the company continued and by the outbreak of war in 1939, it was sufficiently well established to be awarded a number of substantial Air Ministry contracts. This included providing guide lighting for Airfields within the South of England to enable Spitfires to land during the Battle of Britain. The company continued to thrive post-war. In 1957 Patrick Lowe joined his father in the business. By this time the company employed some 30 electricians.
All through its long history, a loyal and long-serving workforce have formed the backbone of our company. Throughout this time, the City of Oxford continued to provide Lowe & Oliver with the majority of its work. In recent years, Lowe & Oliver has greatly expanded both its geographical reach and its portfolio of products and solutions. Now, as part of the Lowe Holdings Group, it provides a comprehensive range of electrical and mechanical services throughout the UK. Lowe Holdings has grown over the years to encompass interests in other companies such as J Brand, Alto Energy, Kona Energy and Data Path.
100 years on, Lowe & Oliver is more vigorous than ever. It holds ISO 9001 accreditation and has been awarded a Royal Warrant as Electrical Contractors, working on a variety of projects with the Royal Household.
Lowe & Oliver now provides a range of renewable and energy saving solutions, helping Oxford and the country transition towards net zero reduction in carbon emissions. These include a particular focus on: LED Lighting, EV charging points, solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps and more.
The company is primarily based in Oxford, but with a nationwide reach and offices in Southampton and Cheltenham. Employing 130 staff, including 30 apprentices.
Whatever the size and nature of the challenge, our aim is the same – to deliver consistently high technical and management services to our customers, at competitive prices.
