His retirement will be effective from 1 April 2018, when he will give up ownership and his role heading up the building contractor’s south west business from Gloucester.

A new regional manager will start with the firm in January 2017 to enable a smooth transition and handover period.

Steve Speller, who is joint owner alongside Andy Metcalfe, will become sole proprietor of the business while stepping into the role of company chairman, alongside Des O’Neill who will continue his role as group managing director.

“It is with great sadness that we will be saying goodbye to one of the two original founding members of Speller Metcalfe,” said Des O’Neill, group managing director. 

“Andy is not only part of our foundation, he has successfully negotiated the growth of Speller Metcalfe alongside Steve Speller and our Directors from a small local contractor into the national, £130m turnover business we are today.”

Andy Metcalfe said: “It’s a very difficult thing to leave the company both Steve and I started in his garage over 20 years ago.”