Our story
Founded in 1935 by Cyril Roberts, CF Roberts has grown from a family-run business in Hereford to a leading name in building services. Now under the leadership of grandson Paul, our Managing Director, CF Roberts continues to honour its family values while expanding its reach and capabilities. Today, with over 200 dedicated employees, prestigious corporate clients, and a head office in Cheltenham, we remain committed to the values on which we were built.
Committed to the values on which we were built.
Employee Development
Safety-First Mindset
Quality Driven
Environmental & Social Responsibility
Innovation
Employee Development
Safety-First Mindset
Quality Driven
Innovation
Environmental & Social Responsibility
Our mission
“Creating a Long-Term Sustainable Business for Future Generations, by Building Services Success Through Quality, Safety, and Customer Satisfaction.”
This vision underscores the Company’s commitment to sustainability, excellence in service, and a future-focused approach, ensuring success through high standards in quality, safety, employee engagement, and customer relationships.
By employing these values, the Company aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and long-term success for future generations.
We take pride in our heritage, but we are equally committed to innovation. Embracing the latest technologies, environmental responsibilities, and stringent safety standards, CF Roberts delivers unmatched expertise – a seamless design-to-completion process, and the resources needed to meet every project’s demands.
CF Roberts founded by Cyril Roberts
1934—First Electrical installation conducted using Cloth-covered rubber cable (VIR – Vulcanised India Rubber- under the guidance of the 9th IEE Wiring Regulations)
CF Roberts becomes a limited company and joins NICEIC and ECA
1936 ~ Abdication of King Edward VIII, George VI becomes king.
1939 ~ World War II Starts
CF Roberts relocates to St Owens Street, Hereford
1943 ~ First Electrical installation conducted using Lead-sheathed rubber cable under the guidance of the 11th IEE Wiring Regulations
CF Roberts employs its first apprentice
1945 ~ World War II ends
1948 ~ The NHS was founded.
CF Roberts opens its first electrical appliance shop
1951 ~ First electrical installation conducted using twin core rubber cable (no CPC), under the guidance of the 11th IEE Wiring Regulations – post war rebuild era.
1952 ~ Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne.
10th apprentice employed CF Roberts
1959 ~ First electrical installation conducted using PVC twin with separate CPC under the guidance of the 13th IEE Wiring Regulations
1960 ~ Fleet of 6 new Bedford CA vans was purchased and sign written.
Second generation, Michael Roberts, assumes day-to-day control
40th apprentice employed CF Roberts
Cheltenham office opens
1971 ~ First electrical installation conducted using twin & earth (T+E) PVC cable under the guidance of the 14th IEE Wiring Regulations
1972 ~ CF Roberts Sponsor Hereford FC; A partnership that still lasts today.
1973 ~ UK joins European Economic Community (EEC)
Cyril Roberts retires
CF Roberts opens it's Swansea office
1982 ~ Over 6,000 Projects completed.
1983 ~ Over 500,000 Electrical circuits tested.
1982 ~ Falklands War
CF Roberts completes its first international project in Brussels
100th Apprentice joins the team.
CF Roberts opens its London office
ISO 9001 Quality Management accreditation achieved
1995 ~ The first 5 employees reach the 25 years long service milestone.
CF Roberts introduces mechanical capabilities
2000 ~ A further 5 employees reach 25 years long service, making 10 people who have served 25 years and over.
2001 ~ Over 80,000 hotel rooms completed.
CF Roberts completes its first £1m contract
2007 ~ The great flood – Cheltenham HQ gets flooded.
2008 ~ A further 5 employees reach 25 years long service, making 15 people who have served 25 years and over.
2010 ~ Over 13,000 projects completed.
2008 ~ Global financial crisis
ISO 14001 Environmental Management accreditation achieved
2011 ~ First Company electric vehicle joins the feet.
ISO 18001 Health & Safety Management accreditation achieved - now ISO 45001
2012 ~ A further 5 employees reach 25 years long service, making 20 people who have served 25 years and over.
300th apprentice joins the team
CF Roberts completes its first £5m contract
CF Roberts completes £9m renovation of the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse
2016 ~ Gloucester Dragon Boat race champions for the first time.
2016 ~ Brexit referendum
2017 ~ Over 150,000 hotel rooms completed.
Employees Health & Safety group founded
2018 ~ 25 years sponsorship of the Mare’s Handicap Race at Cheltenham Racecourse
2019 ~ Over 2 million electrical circuits tested.
2019 – 1935 Club formed to recognise the substantial number of employees with over 10 years’ service
2019 ~ Over 10,000 WCs installed.
Third generation, Paul Roberts, takes over
2020 ~ COVID-19 pandemic
2020 ~ A further 5 employees reach 25 years long service, making 25 people who have served 25 years and over.
1st female apprentice joins the team
2021 ~ Cyber Essentials accreditation achieved.
2022 ~ Queen Elizabeth II dies, King Charles III becomes monarch.
2022 ~ Electronic Near Miss reporting introduced.
ROSPA Gold award granted
2023 ~ A further 5 employees reach 25 years long service, making 30 people who have served 25 years and over.
2024 ~ Over 1 million lights installed.
CF Roberts opens it's Nottingham office
2025 ~ Gloucester Dragon Boat race champions once more.
2025 ~ The company car electric fleet reaches 15.
The 1935 Club, in recognition of when the company was registered as a Ltd company, was formed in 2019 and celebrates the engineers who have achieved 10 years or more of service with us. We are fortunate enough to boast about a number of loyal employees who have worked with us for decades.