Lowe & Oliver celebrates centenary year with book publication

By Tom Kilkelly

11 July 2023

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Credit: Lowe & Oliver

As part of its celebration of 100 years of business, Lowe & Oliver, an electrical and mechanical contractor with offices in Oxford and Southampton, has commissioned and published a book outlining its history and the role the firm played in the wider country’s electrification.

Areas covered include the firm's 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.

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.

Lowe & Oliver was given a number of Air Ministry contracts in World Ward 2. This included providing guide lighting for Airfields within the south of England to enable Spitfires to land during the Battle of Britain.

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Director at Lowe & Oliver, Fred Lowe, said: "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 the electrical industry. As we approach another era of electrification, our centenary book gives a fascinating glimpse back in time at the previous electrical revolution 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 individuals over the past 100 years. Whether that’s members of long-standing staff or established names across the south. 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."

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.