Celebrating 150 Years
Our family business was founded in 1875 as T&E Neville by brothers, Thomas and Edward. The brothers were builders, joiners and coffin makers in Luton during a time of exponential population growth in the region, and dedicated their professional lives serving, employing and supporting the local community. By 1881, the brothers had expanded their Castle Street premises and hired their first apprentice, Arthur Cawdell.
Since then, the Neville Trust Group of Companies has progressed the legacy of the Neville brothers, building on the delivery of our services which offer a valuable opportunity to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we work. As a family business now working with the fifth and sixth generations of the founding family, we believe in leaving a positive legacy for the next generation through training, career development and charitable giving.
Over the course of 2025, we will be celebrating our history in Luton and beyond, sharing various events, activities and stories from across our Group of Companies.
As part of the Neville Trust Group of Companies’ 150th anniversary celebrations, we began a project to collect and record the stories and memories of the people who have shaped our journey. From apprentices to directors, past and present, our Timeless Voices: The Neville Trust Archive captures what it truly means to be part of a long-standing family business.
Over the years, Neville Trust has grown, adapted, and thrived, but at its core, it has always been about its people. To commemorate our latest milestone, we sat down with over 20 employees, past and present, to reflect on their experiences—the challenges, the triumphs, the ever-changing working landscapes and the moments that define life at Neville Trust.
Through these candid conversations, you’ll hear about the evolution of our businesses, the impact of key decisions, and how values and community continue to drive us forward. Each recording offers a unique perspective, providing a living history of Neville Trust captured for future generations.
This archive isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s an inspiration for the future. Whether you’ve been part of our Trust’s story for years or are just discovering it, we invite you to listen, learn, and celebrate with us.
Vicky & Ian Trumper - Directors
Neville Trust Group of Companies
I would love to think in years to come, our passion for
the business will be useful to those running it going forward.
Michael Henman - Fourth Generation and Former Director
Neville Trust Group of Companies
They are people, and this is a people business.
Peter Henman - Fourth Generation and Former Director
Neville Trust Group of Companies
I have confidence in the ability we will have plotted a path that secures a future for those that have invested their lives in the business.
Monica Taylor - Office Manager
Neville Trust Group of companies
The sort of place where you feel you belong.
Dave Taylor - Fleet Manager
Neville Trust Group of Companies
I always say, on a Sunday evening, I don't have that feeling 'I've got work tomorrow'... People always say I'm lucky.
Ian Trumper - Director
Neville Trust Group of Companies
It all goes back to having the people in place and giving them the environment to be able to really deliver for our clients over the years...that's the big pride. Yes, there's some fantastic projects, but the end of the day, it's the people that actually we've got here that are actually delivering them.
Barry Walden - Retired Surveying Director
Neville Special Projects
You realise the strength of the family and their commitment to the business and their employees.
Mick Carpenter - Construction Director
Neville Special Projects
It does often feel like a family. Everyone looks after each other, and there's a camaraderie as well.
Mark Smalley - Commercial Director
Neville Special Projects
Every project is special in that you're trying to do the best, you're trying to make it the best. It's the best sort of project that that client will have and the experience they'll have.
Simon Last - Construction Director
Neville Special Projects
I think it [Neville Trust] looks after its people...and people are happy here.
Ben Knight - Construction Manager
Neville Special Projects
I'm part of the family.
Kevin Goodship - Project Manager
Neville Special Projects
We're focused on keeping up to speed with everything that's changing.
Steve Tott - Painting & Decorating Manager
Neville Special Projects
I can't fault any part of the family business, they've been absolutely brilliant to me.
Andy Knowles - Manager
Neville Joinery
I'm still learning, and I think I will be until the day I retire.
Sandy Simpson - Former Director
Neville Joinery
When I look back over my life, I'm pleased that I came to Neville's.
Lee Pedley - General Manager
Neville Funerals
For me, it's about keeping that high level of care and standards, and our teams are still continually supporting... It's our team, and the people who work in it who make us who we are.
Julia Milton - Business Development Manager
Neville Funerals
It feels like a family atmosphere, as does the whole of Neville's business.
Our thanks go to John Griffiths Elsden of JG Media Services for conducting all of the interviews and providing the final versions for us to use – without his expertise and interviewing technique, we wouldn’t have this archive to share with you all and to provide us with such great memories for the future.
