Harcon – From a One-Man Start-Up to Manchester’s Industry Leader
In March 2000, Harcon Safety Services was founded by Paul Harvey, who started the business alone with a clear vision, to make working at height safer. From those early days, Paul set out to build a company that would offer high-quality fall protection solutions, ensuring that workers across the UK could operate safely at height.
The company’s first office was on Hartford Road, Davyhulme, where Paul worked tirelessly to establish the business. After the first year, the company moved to Carrington Business Park, where it grew steadily over the following years. As the business expanded, it relocated to Woodsend Road, Flixton, and finally, in 2007, the company moved to its current headquarters in Carrington. This steady relocation process reflected the company’s continuous growth and the need for larger, more functional spaces.
As the business grew, Paul’s wife joined as Finance Director, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial stability and ensuring its long-term success. Her expertise in financial management complemented Paul’s technical and operational leadership, creating a solid foundation for expansion.
One of the company’s proudest milestones was being recognised as one of the top 5% fastest-growing businesses in the UK just one year before the 2008 financial crash. This achievement highlighted the exceptional growth trajectory and its ability to thrive in a competitive market.
Key Milestones in Harcon’s Growth
2000 – Incorporation: Safety Services Ltd was officially incorporated on 9th March 2000, with Paul Harvey as Director. The company began by specialising in fall arrest systems and personal safety equipment, operating from its first office in Davyhulme.
2001 – Expansion to Carrington Business Park: The company relocated to Carrington Business Park, allowing for better operational efficiency and storage. The move provided more space for inventory and a small training area for demonstrating safety harnesses and gear.
Mid-2000s – Service Diversification: The business broadened its services by adding roof safety line installations, safety netting for construction sites, and lightning protection systems. By 2003, the company had grown enough to establish Testing Services, focusing on safety inspections and certification. These expansions allowed the company to provide end-to-end fall protection solutions.
2007 – Relocation to Carrington Headquarters: As demand increased, the company moved to 108 Manchester Road, Carrington, where it remains today. The larger industrial unit provided much-needed warehouse space for stocking guardrails, harnesses, and modular safety systems, as well as office space for an expanding team.
2011 – Establishing Subsidiaries: By 2011, the continued success led to the creation of sister companies. One such venture was Safety Supplies Ltd, focusing on supplying PPE and safety hardware. Around the same time, the company also formalised its training services, offering certified courses in working-at-height safety. These developments helped position the business as a comprehensive safety solutions provider.
2015 – Joining the Kee Safety Group: The strong reputation and sustained growth led to its acquisition by the Kee Safety Group in 2015. This transition marked the beginning of a new era, integrating the company into a global network of fall protection expertise, while allowing it to continue operating under its well-established name.
2017 – Founder Transition – A New Dawn: After leading the company for 17 years, Paul Harvey stepped down in March 2017, successfully handing over the business to his son Rob Harvey, now a key member of Kee Safety’s Leadership Team. Employees celebrated his legacy of innovation and commitment to safety, which remains deeply embedded in the company’s operations today.
2020 – A New Look: As part of joining Kee Safety Group, the company underwent a brand refresh from Harcon Services to Harcon Fall Protection & Safety Services. The change reflected the company’s evolved specialist expertise and clearly communicates its focus on delivering trusted fall protection and safety solutions.
2025 and Beyond
Today, Harcon Safety Services is still led by General Manager Rob Harvey, who upholds the company’s core values while steering it towards continued success and innovation. The team consists of experienced industry professionals, many of whom have been with the company for years. Harcon maintains a strong safety-first culture, emphasising continuous training, innovation, and customer trust, and a world leading product portfolio that includes Kee Guard and Kee Line to name a couple.
The financial strength remains impressive, with an annual turnover exceeding £4.5 million and a 10% year-over-year growth rate. This growth has been fuelled by repeat business, strategic expansion, and a commitment to excellence in fall protection solutions.
Rob Harvey states:
“Our growth comes from trust. Clients trust us with their workers’ lives, and that’s a responsibility we take seriously – it’s why they keep coming back and why we keep growing.”
As Harcon Safety Services celebrates its 25-year anniversary, its journey from a one-man startup to a thriving industry leader is a testament to innovation, dedication, and resilience.
Paul Harvey shares:
“I started the business to provide for my family and make sure every worker goes home safe. Seeing it reach 25 years is incredibly rewarding.”
“We’re proud of our past and excited for the future. Harcon may be 25 years old, but in many ways, we feel like we’re just getting started – there are always new heights of safety to achieve.”
With a quarter-century of experience and the support of Kee Safety, the company is set to continue leading the North West and beyond in fall protection safety services, ensuring world-class safety standards for years to come.
As we mark this milestone, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of safety and efficiency in every rooftop project. If you’re planning ahead or have questions about the right solution for your site, the team at Harcon is here to help.
Call us on 0161 777 4230 or get in touch to start the conversation.