William King Construction has been selected as one of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s 25 Business Heroes, celebrating the Chamber’s 25th anniversary.
The campaign shines a spotlight on businesses and individuals drawn from across the Chamber’s membership. It is not a definitive list, but a celebration of just some of the many members making a difference throughout Cumbria.
Founded in 2008, William King Construction has grown from a one-person bricklaying business into a major Cumbrian employer. It now employs more than 100 local people and delivers residential, commercial and nuclear projects across the county and beyond.
“When I started the business, I was working on my own as a bricklayer,” founder William King said. “I simply wanted to provide for my family and build something I could be proud of. It was about working hard, treating people fairly and completing every job to the highest standard.”
Those values remain central to the company. While it builds and refurbishes buildings, William King Construction places equal importance on its relationships with clients, employees and communities.
“At our core, we’re a people business,” William explained. “We don’t see projects as transactions; we see them as relationships.”
The opening of its new headquarters at Westlakes Science Park marked another important chapter, but William says his proudest achievement is not its turnover or awards. It is seeing more than 100 local people earning a living through the company, watching employees develop into leaders and creating opportunities that did not previously exist.
That commitment extends beyond the business through Aspire Academy, its construction skills academy. Aspire helps young people who may otherwise face barriers to employment develop practical skills, confidence and pathways into construction.
William King Construction also supports Cumbria by investing in apprenticeships, creating skilled employment, working with local suppliers and supporting charities and community initiatives.
“Seeing learners who lacked confidence begin to believe in themselves again is every bit as rewarding as completing a construction project,” William said. “If we can help change someone’s future while building a successful business, that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The company’s relationship with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce brings its story full circle. When William started the business in 2008, he attended the Chamber’s four-day business start-up course, which gave him the confidence to believe that building a business was possible.
William King Construction are now sponsoring our October programme, helping the next generation of Cumbrian entrepreneurs get started.
“To now be sponsoring that very same programme and helping support the next generation of business owners feels incredibly special,” William said. “It genuinely feels like we’ve come full circle.”
Looking ahead, William King Construction plans to grow sustainably, continue investing in its people and specialist capabilities, and expand Aspire Academy’s work with young people across Cumbria.
William’s advice to other businesses is simple: “Surround yourself with good people, ask for help when you need it, keep your word and never lose sight of why you started.”
