We build on our past. We look to the future.
In 1886, Henry Boot started his namesake business. With an entrepreneurial mindset and 20 years’ experience in the building industry, Henry launched with a single handcart - and a desire to make an impact.
The company grew. So much so that by 1919 Henry Boot became the first home builder to be listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Our founder
Son of a farmer in the densely populated Sheffield district of Heeley, 35-year-old Henry Boot founded the company we know today. Following a seven-year joinery apprenticeship, Henry gained over twenty years’ practical experience before launching out on his own in 1886. He quickly grew the business and soon moved into large-scale public works and housing projects. The company continued to flourish as his son Charles became more involved, with Henry retaining an active interest until his death in 1931.
The early years
Charles Boot, the eldest of Henry’s three sons, became a partner in the business at an early age and on the outbreak of the First World War, headed the company’s efforts in obtaining a variety of Government contracts; building navy camps, bases and hospitals across the UK. After starting out with one handcart, transporting facilities had increased to 20 horses and carts and six mechanically propelled lorries by 1914.
Expanding across Europe
Within two years of becoming a public company in 1919, Henry Boot was operating not only from Sheffield and London, but also from Paris, Barcelona and Athens, undertaking the construction of harbours, underground railways, waterworks and drainage systems throughout Europe.
Inter-war years
During the inter-war period from 1919 to 1939, Henry Boot constructed over 80,000 houses, outpacing any other contractor in the UK. Of these homes, approximately 50,000 were built for local authorities, over 9,000 were intended for rent, and the remainder were sold to the private sector. During this time, the company undertook an extensive program of commercial and industrial construction, which included roads, schools, hospitals, and more.
Among the pines: The birth of British Film
In 1934, Henry’s eldest son, Charles Boot, purchased the 158-acre Heatherden Hall estate in Buckinghamshire for £25,000, laying the foundation for what would become a cinematic powerhouse. Inspired by the efficiency and scale of US film studios, Charles designed and built Pinewood Studios in just twelve months, naming it after the estate’s signature trees. The studio eventually became the world’s most prolific film production hub and home to the iconic '007 James Bond Stage'.
At times of war
During World War II, Henry Boot was one of the UK contractors slected to build two temporary harbours at Arromanches in Normandy, France. Once in place, the ‘Mulberry’ and ‘Gooseberry’ harbours enabled 12,000 tonnes of cargo and 2,500 vehicles to land at Arromanches each day. They were pivotal to the success of the D-Day Landings.
Further expansion
After the war, Henry Boot focused on national expansion across various industries. In 1958 Banner Plant was established, offering plant and tool hire services across multiple markets. Already well-established in the construction sector, Henry Boot launched Henry Boot Construction in 1970 and, eight years later, introduced Henry Boot Developments (now known as HBD).
Continued growth
In 1989, Hallam Land was founded as a land promotion division of the business, facilitating the development of over 52,000 homes to date, as well as commercial developments, logistics, retail, and community projects. By June 2003, the group had tailored its operations to concentrate on land, property, construction and plant hire, and was able to devote its resources to even greater effect in these core sectors.
Present day
Today, Henry Boot is a fully listed company on the London Stock Exchange with a sound reputation for reliability and integrity in its specialist markets. We remain committed to quality and to delivering a premium customer service. We work collaboratively and in partnership to seek new opportunities, and to deliver lasting impact. Henry Boot gave us a legacy we’re proud of. A legacy which fuels our desire to be a business where great places start. Then, now, and for future generations to come.