As the very first person to be employed by Munnelly Group, Laurence McGrath has certainly seen some major changes during his impressively loyal 44 years with us.
His front-row seat has enabled him to witness the growth of a business that has evolved from the family-owned construction company that he joined in May 1981, into the leading multi-company operation that we are today.
Laurence has been there with us every step of the way as Munnelly Group’s exponential growth has seen us partner some of the world’s largest companies and leading UK public sector bodies to deliver prestigious, complex and challenging projects across a range of construction and infrastructure sectors.
Being able to suitably recognise the essential role that Laurence has played in our success over the last four decades is something that the board had been wanting to do for some time – with the perfect opportunity presenting itself as the company moved into its new offices at The Dock in Kings Langley.
As the extensive rate of expansion hastened the need for us to move the group’s operations from our spiritual home in Harrow, to a more dynamic, collaborative and efficient workspace, it also created an opportunity for us to finally honour Munnelly Group’s longest-serving team member.
The newly christened McGrath meeting room serves as the perfect tribute to a man whose loyalty, longevity, hard work, dedication and skills deserve to be acknowledged.
Even if he, himself, was somewhat surprised when he was told the news.
“Phil Munnelly originally approached me to join the business, and I am glad he did. I arrived in May 1981 and was actually the first person to be employed here, which is something I still think about with great pride,” he said. “My time has gone by so fast, and I feel like I’ve done everything under the sun here. I’ve seen quite a lot of changes over the decades. There were no computers when I started. I’ve seen technology evolve so much, both in the office and in my personal life.
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the company grow and being part of that journey from the very beginning. I loved working at the Harrow office, it was a great place to be, but it is also good to move into the new office in Kings Langley.
“Although, I was surprised when I was told about the meeting room being named after me! Someone asked me if I saw this coming. I said, “Don’t be silly – how could I ever predict that? It was completely unexpected.”
Working at Munnelly Group has certainly never been dull for Laurence as his role keeps him on his toes… and he has even spoken to two former England football managers.
“I’m appreciative of Phil and Paul for their support over the years. We’ve built a good working relationship that I value a lot,” he said. “As a logistics coordinator no day is the same, which keeps things interesting and rewarding.
“I don’t even remember what I was doing before joining Munnelly Group, but I’ve always liked construction, and I was just swept along with the current, evolving naturally with the business.
“It has been so enjoyable. Once, I even spoke to England football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson – I just answered Phil’s landline phone and asked who was talking. That was a really funny moment I’ll never forget. I also spoke to Kevin Keegan on a separate occasion, which was another memorable experience.”
Munnelly Group CEO, Paul David Munnelly, said: “Laurence has played an integral role in the success and expansion of this business, and it is only right that we do something to acknowledge and celebrate all that he has done for us.”
“The fact that he has worked for this business from the very first days in the early 1980s stands as testament to the way that we believe our people should be treated and will continue to invest in them.”
“The move to Kings Langley has been a huge success and will enable us to continue to grow and thrive while ensuring we continue delivering excellence to our clients. By naming one of our meeting rooms after Laurence, we are not only giving a nod to our past, but also the present and the future as he continues to play a crucial role in the on-going success of the Munnelly Group.”