ONE of the Forest’s best-known family businesses has become employee-owned.

Cinderford-based Bell Contracting has 210 employees and engages 122 contractors.

All the shares in the company have been transferred to Bell Contracting Trustees Ltd as trustee of the Bell Contracting Employee Ownership Trust, for the benefit of eligible employees.

Employee ownership was chosen to preserve Bell Contracting's independence, protect its name, culture and values, and give the company the strongest possible platform to continue providing employment, apprenticeships and career opportunities for local people, said managing director Pete Bell.

There will be no change to the company's day-to-day operations or leadership.

Mr Bell remains managing director and, together with Jason Bell and Stephen Jelf, will continue to lead the business alongside the wider board of directors and management team.

The Bell family continues to own and operate the other businesses in the wider Bell Group, including Bell Homes, Bell Plant, AccXel Construction School and The Belfry Hotel in Littledean.

Mr 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.

“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.”

The civil engineering and groundworks contractor was founded nearly 60 years ago and had a turnover of £54.81m in 2025.

The Bell family (left from back) Nicola Bird, Nicola King, Yvonne Bell and Pete Bell.
The Bell family (left from back) Nicola Bird, Nicola King, Yvonne Bell and Pete Bell. (Bell Contracting)
Pete Bell signs the documents transferring Bell Contracting to the Employee Ownership Trust.
Pete Bell signs the documents transferring Bell Contracting to the Employee Ownership Trust. (Bell Contracting)
Rob Challingsworth, Pete Bell and Paul Wood are the trustee of the new Bell Contracting Employee Ownership Trust.
Rob Challingsworth, Pete Bell and Paul Wood are the trustee of the new Bell Contracting Employee Ownership Trust. (Bell Contracting)