About Us
Established in
1926
A E Gough and Sons Ltd is a family run business
Based in Llandrindod Wells, Powys with a depot in Llandybie, Carmarthenshire. Established in 1926 by Albert Edward Gough, with a Model T Ford, moving aggregate for the local council. This was a completely different era, shovel on shovel off, manually loading the lorry for its deliveries. In 1966 the second generation took over the business, Derek and Stuart Gough. With the new generation in control the business diversified and grew, going to a total of 11 lorries. Then the third generation took over operations, Michael and Simon Gough in 1995. Taking A E Gough and Sons from strength to strength, growing the fleet from its low of 4 lorries in 2000 to the current fleet of 43 lorries. In 2021 the first woman director was bought into the company, Barbra Gough had worked for the business for many years but in 2020 she took the lead role from Simon Gough as he decided it was his time to step back. The fourth generation are now involved in day-to-day operation of the business, with Rhys Gough in the planning office.
Albert Edward Gough
Albert started the business in 1926 with just one lorry he purchased from a local farmer. Albert grew the business to 3 lorries, these where all on council contract. They were the days of shovel on shovel off lorries, with no tipping capability like our modern fleet. The drivers were required to load and unload the lorries of multiple tonnes of material multiple times a day. They would be loading out of 2 main quarries, Llandrindod Wells Quarry and Rhayader Quarry, which have both been long closed. In 1966, Albert retired leaving his 2 sons, Derek and Stuart in charge to keep the business going and grow the family name.
Derek Gough
Derek was heavily involved in the business from the young age of 17 to the day past. In 1966 he was made a partner along side his brother Stuart. The first lorry Derek bought for the business was a four wheeler, a Dodge, CF0 444F, in 1967. Derek grew the business and supported both his sons into the business. Derek, Simon and Michael worked alongside each other for many years. With 100s of stories of old lorries and rescuing family who had broken down across the countryside, it was always clear Derek loved the business and thoroughly enjoyed working with his 2 sons. In 1922 Michael and Simon became partners with Derek. In 2012 Derek sadly passed away. Derek left his mark on A E Gough and Sons, and his presence is missed every day. Derek always encouraged his sons, and the business most certainly would not be where it is today without him.
Stuart Gough
Stuart trained as a mechanic and only joined the business in the 1960’s and became a partner with Derek in 1966. In 1992 the pair became partners with Simon and Michael, the third generation of this family business. Stuart left a few years later leaving Simon, Michael and Derek as the face of the company. Although Stuart had left, he always spoke to the family about the business with many catch ups about how things where going in the local pub with Michael & Simon after a long day.
Simon Gough
Simon has been involved in the business all his adult life. From training in college as a teenager in heavy goods vehicle mechanics to driving everything and anything the business had to offer him. Simon lives and breaths haulage and has put his heart and sole into A E Gough and Sons. In his early years within the business Simon, Michael and Derek had to work incredibly hard to keep the business a float. Simon looks back at these hard times with fond memories as it was never even considered to give up, just keep going. In 2021Simon stood back from directorship and worked part time in the office. In 2024 Simon fully left the office, now working a few days a week in the workshop. Even with Simons semi-retirement he continues to help and support the 3rd and 4th generation both in person and with his extensive knowledge. Simon will always be a valued member of the team at A E Gough and Sons
Michael Gough
Michael has also work at the business all his adult life. With a mind set on making the business successes and grow. During the harder times Michael was driving and planning all the lorries. With him getting his first every mobile phone which he carried around with him even though it weighed a tonne. Michael always strived and continues to strive for the best for the business and all those who work within it. Michael came off the road in the mid 2000`s to focus of the administrative requirements and growing the business. Michael and Simon worked hand in hand until Simon’s retirement in 2021. With Simons retirement, Barbra Gough, Michael’s wife, joined Michael as a Director. Michael continues to give tirelessly to the betterment of the business and the industry. Michael is on the board of the RHA as Director for Wales, he also is a representative at regional council level for Wales and South West region of the RHA. Michael is passionate about the future of the Road Haulage Industry, he wants to create a welcome and supportive environment that encourages youngsters to get involved and uses modern technology.
Barbra Gough
Barbra Gough has worked in the background for A E Gough and Sons for decades. While balancing full time jobs, raising 3 children and keeping on top of A E Gough and Sons requirements. Barbra has made countless sacrifices for A E Gough and Sons from late nights ensuring paperwork was done to working while on family holidays to ensure everything was running smoothly at home. Barbra became the financial director in 2021 alongside Michael. Working hand in hand, Barbra has been integrating to the success and growth of the business. Being Michaels right hand woman and at times keeping the peace between family within the office. The business achievement and future have been and will continue to be heavily dependent on Barbras continued work. Barbra and Michael both are looking to the future with plans of expansion and improvement.