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About Parker & Son

Home About Parker & Son

Welcome from James Parker

For generations, the Parker family has been dedicated to the art of building and restoration. Since the 1920s, we have upheld the values of craftsmanship, integrity, and attention to detail that define every project we undertake. It is a privilege to continue this proud family tradition and to see Parker & Son flourish nearly a century later.

We are honoured to be entrusted with the restoration and preservation of some of our country’s most beautiful and historic properties. Every project we complete is a testament to our commitment to excellence — blending traditional skill with modern precision to ensure these remarkable buildings endure for generations to come.

James Parker, Managing Director

The History of Parker & Son

Parker & Son has a history spanning back to the 1930s as a specialist building contractor.

Since being established in 1929 by Fred Oaten, the firm has stayed within the family and is now in its fourth generation, having being passed to Roy ‘Curly’ Parker, to Chris Parker and finally to Chris’ son, James Parker.

Our focus has always been on using quality materials, products and workmanship, with regular recommendations from satisfied clients thanks to our knowledge of all aspects of the building industry.

This commitment to delivering the very best service has earned us many high-profile jobs, such as set building for Turner Prize winning artist Steve McQueen.

One of our projects was to carry out the complete refurbishment of Tickerage Mill in Blackboys, East Sussex, the last home of the famous actress Vivien Leigh.

We have also appeared on a home improvement TV show with Sarah Green and Ivan Massow.

Long-term clients include structural engineers and architects, public services such as the NHS, local authorities and organisations like the National Trust; you can see details on most of these projects in our projects section.

Today we still operate a small, loyal and tight-knit team and run apprenticeship schemes for young employees who train on the job with our experienced staff. We invest regularly in training and specialist courses and are members of the Confederation of Roofing Contractors and Quality Assurance associations, adhering fully to their codes of conduct on working practices and customer service. The company is also an authorised installer for products such as Sealoflex and Marley Redland Roof Tiles.

Our plumbing arm P&S Plumbing and Heating offers all aspects of plumbing and heating services, from changing a tap washer to installation and servicing of a new boiler, or a complete bathroom and kitchen refit.

Meet the team

Our expertise lies in the team of highly skilled builders, roofers, carpenters and utilities engineers we employ.

Every single tradesmen brings decades of practical experience, necessary to uphold our own high standards on each and every build.

Below you’ll find the core, contracted team who work for Parker & Son, delivering the best workmanship and customer service possible throughout London, East Sussex and the South East. There are many more carefully selected subcontractors who go make Parker & Son the firm that it is today.

Click a team member to read more.

Managing Director & Day to Day Administration

QS Technical Surveyor / Estimator

Office Manager

Project Manager

Plasterer

Painter and Decorator

General Builder (Brickwork)

Groundworks

Stone Mason

General Builder

Groundworks Manager

Plumbing and Administration Assistant

Carpenter

Mark Milton (Martha)

Decorating and General Maintenance

Gabriel Romano

Apprentice Carpenter

Peter Butler

Apprentice Carpenter

Plumber

Kadyn Cutting

Apprentice Plumber

Testimonials

Excellent throughout project and final result was amazing. Highly recommended.
BuildersUp Reviewer
Excellent service from Parker & Son. Received a very professional service for several projects in our home. The quality of workmanship is excellent!
Hardika McWilliams
We've used Parker & Son on several occasions and find them professional and hard working. They always finish the job to an excellent standard and We've been very pleased with the results.
Maxine Hammond
Andrew from Parkers came this morning exactly when he said he would, was polite friendly and professional and had it all done in an hour. Excellent job, he even made a fuss of our very Friendly Spanish Greyhound.
Charlie Watts
Friendly and reliable!
Holli Longley
James Parker and his team have been a joy to have on-site. They are a positive, thoughtful and respectful team who have gone out of their way to find solutions and offer suggestions. We feel we made the right decision in choosing them and couldn't recommend them highly enough.
Zoe Davis, East Sussex
Just wanted to say THANK YOU. We have had a lot of trades in lately and you stood out. Thank you for sourcing the perfect bath and for how quickly you worked. Plus, thank you for clearing up all the waste (we've been left with this job by some trades!)
Clare
Having examined the work done I have found the work to be of the highest standard... I am very happy indeed to recommend Parker and Son, not only based on their work, but also for the very tidy way in which they have left the property on completion of the works.
Robin
We were very impressed by the care the team took over the work. They did a brilliant job and there was no mess, in fact everything was left spotless.
Geoff Brown
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Corporate Social Responsibility

At Parker & Son Construction, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of how we do business.

We believe that building strong communities goes hand in hand with building quality structures. Our commitment to CSR shapes the way we operate—ensuring that every project we undertake is completed with integrity, sustainability and respect for people and the environment.

We take pride in minimising our environmental impact by adopting sustainable construction practices. From responsibly sourcing materials to reducing waste and improving energy efficiency on our sites, we strive to create lasting structures that are as environmentally responsible as they are durable. We also invest in innovation, exploring modern construction techniques that lower emissions and promote long-term sustainability.

Beyond our worksites, Parker & Son Construction is dedicated to supporting the communities where we live and build. We actively participate in local initiatives and sponsor community projects. Our focus on safety, diversity, and fairness ensures a positive and inclusive workplace for all employees.

Through responsible business practices and community engagement, Parker & Son Construction is committed to building a better, more sustainable future—one project, and one partnership at a time.

FAQ

Do we undertake smaller jobs?

A lot of people assume we only undertake big projects. In fact, no job is too small. We’ve even had clients ask us to change a lightbulb for them.

Can you build me a house from scratch?

Yes. We have a multi-skilled team with all the trades needed to build your new home.

How long have you been in business?

We have a history spanning back to the 1930s as a specialist building contractor.

Have you won any awards for your work?

Yes, we were named Business of the Year 2025 in the 1066 Business Awards and Best Contractor category in the South East Construction Awards 2025.

Do you employ apprentices?

Yes, we usually have at least one apprentice on the team.

What types of projects do you undertake?

We work on a wide range of projects, from bespoke new builds and sympathetic renovations to listed building restorations and high-end home extensions. Our experience spans both residential and commercial properties, and we take pride in combining traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques.

Do you work on listed or historic buildings?

Yes. Working with historic and listed buildings is one of our specialisms. Our team understands the importance of preserving original features while introducing modern standards of comfort, safety and efficiency. We liaise closely with conservation officers and heritage architects to ensure all work respects the building’s history and integrity.

Are you fully insured and accredited?

Absolutely. Parker & Son Construction is fully insured, and our work meets or exceeds all relevant building regulations and industry standards. Our tradespeople are qualified, experienced, and committed to delivering exceptional quality and safety on every project.

Yes, we are insured up to £10 million including Employer’s Liability and Public & Product Liability. That includes insurance to work on historic buildings

Do you offer design and planning services?

Yes. We can support you from the earliest design and planning stages through to completion. Our team works alongside trusted architects, structural engineers and interior designers to help bring your vision to life, manage the planning process and ensure everything runs smoothly.

How do you ensure quality workmanship?

We combine traditional building skills, high-quality materials and close attention to detail. Every stage of a project is overseen by one of our senior managers to ensure the work meets our exacting standards. Many of our craftsmen have been with the company for years and share our commitment to excellence.

Can you provide references or examples of previous work?

Yes, of course. We are proud of the projects we’ve completed and are happy to provide references or arrange viewings of recent work. Our portfolio includes period property restorations, barn conversions, and bespoke new homes across Sussex and the South East.

How long will my project take?

Every project is different and timescales depend on the size and complexity of the work. We provide clear timelines as part of our quotation and keep you informed at every stage. Our focus is always on quality and attention to detail rather than rushing completion.

Do you offer a warranty or aftercare service?

Yes. All our work is covered by a workmanship guarantee and we provide ongoing support after completion. Our clients know they can call us anytime — whether for advice, maintenance, or future projects.

What areas do you cover?

We are based in Sussex and carry out projects throughout the South East, including Kent, Surrey, and East and West Sussex. We’re always happy to discuss projects slightly further afield if they suit our expertise.

How do I start my project with Parker & Son Construction?

Simply contact our team to arrange an initial consultation. We’ll discuss your ideas, assess your property and provide honest, expert advice on how best to achieve your vision. From there, we can prepare a detailed quotation and project plan.