About Sir John Laing

• British entrepreneur, philanthropist and Christian

  Sir John Laing CBE (24 September 1879 – 11 January 1978)

  SIR John’s life was built upon a foundation of Christian beliefs, love of the outdoors and a strong work ethic.

  These lifelong truths entwined harmoniously and led to the creation of one of Britain’s biggest and most successful construction companies which employed tens of thousands of people and left a legacy of landmark construction projects around the globe.

  Sir John’s family were part of a Plymouth Brethren congregation in Carlisle. They worshipped very simply and this disciplined approach shaped Sir John’s life. He reportedly earned his first wage aged 12 by wallpapering his parents’ house in Carlisle at 1 shilling per room. He was always practical and restless, also making his own step ladders which were sold by a local auctioneer.

  He left school at 15 and moved into the family construction business, although his parents had hoped he might become an academic given his strong school performance.

  In 1909 – aged 30 – John Laing was running the firm and in despair about a contract at Barrow in Furness which looked like it might sink the Company. He knew where to go for help and inspiration. Alone in his beloved lakelands, he spoke to his God.

  He simply asked God to show him a way through and offered in return to make God a participating partner in the Company. He wrote down a ‘Programme for Life’ which said firstly that God should be at the centre of his life and secondly that he was going to enjoy life and help others do the same.

  Soon afterwards he visited his lawyer, accountant and bank manager and having shored up the company, subsequently won compensation in the dispute at Barrow. After that, he never looked back.

  He kept the piece of paper with him throughout his life, being generous with his money for good causes; keeping God at the centre of his life and family values at the centre of the lives of those who worked for the Company.

  Sir John would not accept profit for the construction of places of worship – such as the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral which led to his knighthood. Throughout his life, Sir John tried to spread the Christian message, supporting the London Bible College and many other religious groups including the Crusaders. He also carried out missionary work around the world – much of it captured on film.

  Even at the head of one of the largest construction companies, Sir John usually walked to work despite having a driver and preferred to dine in the canteen during site visits, when most managers would have taken him to a local eatery. One retiree Anne Foster recalled that during a visit to one site, Sir John rolled up his sleeves and demonstrated how they should be peeling the potatoes more sparingly.

  When Sir John died in 1978 aged 98, it was clear that he had kept his promise to God and in spite of all the wealth he might have accrued, left personal possessions valued at £371.

  His legacy continues to help others long after his death through the John Laing Charitable Trust and similar funds set up by his descendants.