In a historic moment for Forest of Dean family business, Bell Contracting – the civil engineering and groundworks business that's part of the KW Bell Group – has become 100 per cent employee owned.
As of Thursday 17 September 2026, the business is now wholly owned by the Bell Contracting Employee Ownership Trust, which holds the shares in the business collectively for the benefit of eligible employees.
Built from the ground up over a 60-year period, first by Keith Bell and later by his son Pete, Bell Contracting is a major employer in Gloucestershire – with 210 direct staff and another 122 subcontractors on its books – and was the largest business in the KW Bell Group, turning over £54.81 million in 2025.
The firm says long-term security is at the heart of the decision – with employee ownership chosen to give the business 'the strongest possible platform' from which to protect the Bell Contracting name and independence, secure local employment, retain its strong roots in the Forest and Gloucestershire, and create opportunities for future generations.
There has been no change to the company's day-to-day operations or leadership, with Pete Bell remaining managing director. Together with Jason Bell and Stephen Jelf, he continues to lead the business alongside its wider board of directors and management team, while for clients, suppliers and partners, it's 'business as usual', the firm says.
The ownership change relates solely to Bell Contracting, with the Bell family continuing to own and operate the other businesses within the wider group, including Bell Homes, Bell Plant, AccXel Construction School and The Belfry Hotel in Littledean.
Pete Bell said: 'Bell Contracting may carry our family name, but its success has never been down to one person or one family alone. It has been built by generations of people who have worked hard, supported our customers and helped establish the reputation we have today.
'When we considered the future of the business, protecting its independence, identity and values was incredibly important to us. Employee ownership gives Bell Contracting the right structure to remain independent and continue providing good jobs and opportunities locally for many years to come.
'Jason, Stephen and I are not stepping away. We remain fully committed to leading Bell Contracting and supporting its continued success. This is about protecting what previous generations have built while creating a strong platform for the next generation.'
He added: 'We are incredibly proud of Bell Contracting's history and excited about its future. The ownership has changed, but our leadership, values and commitment to our clients remain.'
