A FIRM which has stood the test of two world wars and two global pandemics is celebrating its century-and-a-half milestone.

Family-run Wardgroup, which provides plumbing, double glazing and painting and decorating services in Cumbria, started its life 150 years ago in 1872.

Headquartered on James Freel Close, the company has been proud to serve its local community throughout its history.

It still runs on the principle that if you buy quality, you only have to buy once.

And it can boast an impressive history, counting itself older than UK high street giants such as Marks & Spencer.

Thomas Ward began as a ‘practical plumber and house decorator’, eventually working from a shop in Crellin Street following in the wake of a certain Thomas Crapper who opened the world’s first bathroom showroom in 1870. Back then, many companies shared the ethos that if you buy the right quality, you only have to buy once; to this day, thanks mainly to the skill of our company employees, quality remains our number 1 focus.

Managing Director Tim Redshaw said: “Thomas Ward began as a ‘practical plumber and house decorator’, eventually working from a shop in Crellin Street following in the wake of a certain Thomas Crapper who opened the world’s first bathroom showroom in 1870.

"Back then, many companies shared the ethos that if you buy the right quality, you only have to buy once; to this day, thanks mainly to the skill of our company employees, quality remains our number 1 focus.

"There are 34 UK companies registered on LinkedIn which were established before 1872, T. Ward and Son - Wardgroup - has some way to go before we match The Royal Mint - founded in 886 - but we’re still here, 12 years older than Marks & Spencer and 13 years younger than Sainsburys.

“It’s peculiar responsibility running a business with the history that T Ward & Son has, you feel, and act, much more like a custodian than a business owner.”