Wigan-based, GMS Services, which provides Legionella management and control, is celebrating 25 years in business. Launched in 1997 by Howard Parry, supported by his daughter, Gemma – who at the time helped out in the school holidays and is now Company Director – GMS has grown to be one of the leading water hygiene experts in the North West of England. The company also provides national coverage for some of its larger clients.

GMS prides itself on delivering the most cost-effective solutions to control Legionella bacteria, helping people that own and manage buildings keep occupants safe while complying with industry standards such as the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) ACoP L8. The company also delivers plumbing and heating services, and will soon be launching a dedicated training arm, focussing on its key areas of expertise.

The now 22-strong team is key to GMS’ success and the company considers staff development and well-being essential to its ongoing growth, while also making GMS a great place to work. MD, Howard Parry, said:

“We look for staff who have the desire to progress and improve their standing in the water hygiene sector, while meeting GMS’ commitment to reacting to client requirements in a speedy professional manner.

“I would like to congratulate all our dedicated team for their accomplishments over the years. Our staff are integral to GMS’ achievements, including the acquisition of new clients, who join us on a monthly basis thanks largely to word of mouth recommendations.

“No sales team, no gimmicks, just professionalism in understanding customer needs and expectations – and then exceeding them.”

A family business, Company Director, Gemma is married to Carl Ollerton, GMS’ Technical Director. She added: “As I’ve been with the company from the start, I’ve seen its full evolution. To begin with, it was just me and my Dad. Now, we employ 22 staff, and manage over 4800 properties throughout the UK.  We have moved offices five times and expanded our services within the water industry.

“In the beginning, I would handwrite job sheets – they used to be spread all over the kitchen table, ready to take to site by one man in a van. Compare that with the fantastic computer systems we have now and on site works delivered by a large team – a huge amount has changed in the last 25 years!”

Carl Ollerton, Technical Director, said: “It is a remarkable achievement to have reached the 25-year milestone. The industry is very competitive, and it’s a testament to the GMS team that we are still the ‘go to’ company for legionella control services in Wigan and the surrounding areas. The staff are what we are; they are the face of the business, and we hold them all in the highest regard. Without them we would not be where we are today!

Howard concluded: “With the foundation that has been built I can only see a positive future for the company. The next few years are going to be exciting and demanding but I know we have the right people to achieve our goals.

“Thank you to the GMS team!”