The company began in 2011 with Steve Murphy, his Dad and one other employee. Predominantly working on water contracts on behalf of Yorkshire Water, Steve was 'on the tools' putting in long days and weeks to kick start the business whilst working weekends to ensure the wheels kept turning in these early stages. The emphasis had very much been on building a secure and long-term business with steady growth throughout the 2010s until an opportunity presented itself in 2018 to take a propulsive step forward which also brought with it major risk.

The company agreed to take on the electrical faults contract on behalf of Northern Powergrid and J.Murphy & Sons Limited, both in the huge North Yorkshire and Wolds Area and Humberside. This was a reactive contract, meaning a Murphy Utilities team would carry out an excavation if there was an electrical fault in the ground, allowing NPG engineers to repair the fault prior to a separate MU team reinstating the excavation. It was a step into the unknown, but equally was a one-time opportunity to take the business to the next level.

The practicalities meant hugely increasing the number of staff in both Scarborough and a new area in Hull, a massive investment in vehicles and equipment whilst negotiating the impact this would have on the existing business. New premises in the Humberside region would have to be secured also. This was all achieved at the age of 28.

In the recent past, Murphy Utilities, like all businesses, have negotiated the challenges of Covid-19, and it has come out the other side a stronger business. When the pandemic commenced in March 2019, Murphy Utilities staff were designated as keyworkers, playing an important role in maintaining the critical national infrastructure. This role was quite simply playing our part to ensure the water kept flowing and electricity stayed connected. Ensuring the business continued to operate at pre pandemic levels was the major challenge in the face of supplier shortages and significant staff isolation periods.

Not only did the company achieve this, but as we tentatively look to the future Murphy Utilities has 50% more staff now than when the pandemic commenced. This was achieved through navigating the challenges of the last 18 months whilst having the foresight that the world has changed and so should the business to maintain its position and solidify it.

This is not to say that Murphy Utilities has been inwards looking throughout this period. We are proud Scarborians and are always keen to reinvest and support the local community. The pandemic has not deterred this. In recent times Murphy Utilities has bought a significant amount of equipment for a local football club and support charities with time and donations.

One of the proudest moments for the company was partnering with Askew/Brook, Anglo American and other local businesses to provide free meals to children in late 2020 during half-term. It was fantastic to join like-minded people and support the local community which we care deeply about.

Fast forward to autumn 2021 and Murphy Utilities continues to strengthen its position, engaging 70 staff on a full-time basis and looking forward to a bright future post-COVID.