Tell us about your family business.
In the early 80s, our father, Peter Diver, began his journey with just one apprentice and an old Morris Commercial Van. He would often bring my brother, Michael, to job sites with him when he was just a toddler. Michael loved being with his dad so much that he didn't want to go to school. By the time he started school, he was already climbing ladders, working on roofs, and knew all the tools and fittings. Today, Michael runs the company as Company Director, alongside myself and my brother-in-law Wayne, and we proudly employ over 60 people, many of whom have been with us for 35-40 years.
When Dad started over 40 years ago, it was driven by a simple desire to offer reliable, high-quality plumbing and heating services to our community. His passion for the trade and commitment to doing things the right way laid the foundation for everything we do. Over the years, our family has continued to uphold that reputation, standing by our work and offering sound advice, top-notch quality, and peace of mind. As the business grew, we passed down our skills, knowledge, and values, which are still at the heart of everything we do today.
We take great pride in all our work - whether it’s a small repair or a large installation. Our team is made up of individuals who are truly invested in the success of the business, and that’s what makes all the difference. What sets us apart is not just our experience, but our passion for the trade. We’re not just plumbers - we’re problem solvers who genuinely care about our customers’ homes and businesses. And we’re always looking ahead, nurturing the next generation of skilled tradespeople to ensure the continued success and legacy of our family business.
What has been your greatest success?
Our greatest success has been the apprentices we’ve brought through the business. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to mentor and train young people, many of whom have gone on to have long, successful careers in the industry. Watching these apprentices grow and succeed in the trade, knowing that they’ve gained their skills under our guidance, is incredibly rewarding. We take great pride in helping to shape the future of the plumbing industry while providing our apprentices with the tools they need to succeed both professionally and personally.
What do you value about FBA?
We decided to join the Family Business Association (FBA) for two key reasons: succession planning and the opportunity to connect with like-minded businesses. Succession planning has been vital for us, as we want to ensure that our family business continues to thrive for generations to come. The FBA provides us with invaluable resources, expert advice, and a network of other family businesses facing similar challenges. It’s been great to learn from others who understand the unique dynamics and opportunities that come with running a family business. The FBA has helped us plan for the future while reinforcing our core values of pride, passion, and family.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Our biggest piece of advice would be to prioritise communication and plan for the future. Running a family business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also come with its challenges - especially when it comes to succession planning. It’s important to have open conversations about the business’s future and be proactive in identifying the right individuals to take over key roles. Focus on maintaining strong family relationships, and make sure every family member involved has a clear understanding of their responsibilities. Lastly, never forget the values that made your business successful in the first place - pride, passion, and family should always be at the heart of everything you do.
Support family business.
