Joseph Woods Builders is an iconic name in Worcester construction with a history dating back to the 17th Century – and current boss Dave Ashman says he feels honoured to carry on the legacy of one of the region’s most historic businesses.

Originally from Birmingham, 72-year-old Dave’s journey with the company started at 16 and he has risen through the ranks to now manage the firm.

He says the industry has changed dramatically in that time: “Since I started the biggest change is with computers.

“Setting up work and talking to clients is so much quicker now than it used to be.”

Staff at Joseph Woods Builders are very much unsung heroes in Worcester as they perform vital maintenance work to buildings, parks and open spaces in the city, such as Sabrina Bridge.

Other projects include maintenance on Witley Court near Worcester and Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire.

The site on which The Hive currently stands was the building yard of the original Joseph Woods several centuries ago.

On job satisfaction, Dave says it is highly rewarding to see a job well done: “It is nice to be able to look at the effects of our work and say ‘I built that’.

“Our team here really do keep the city going in a way.”

Dave, 72, believes his team are the main reason behind the success of the business. He said: “We have a team of 20 here and though it is only a small team, we are close-knit and work well together.

“Having family working here helps too because we are all on the same page with wanting the business to do well.

“My guys who carry out the work are great and really take care to make sure their work is as good as possible.”

Dave is determined for the Joseph Woods name to continue well into the future, adding: “We have family working for us now who are younger than me and so I really do hope they will carry the work on and that we will be around for a long time to come.”