Northern soul
from Wigan
Connolly was founded in 1980 by Tony Connolly, when he struck out on his own as a painter and decorator. His first major contract was with Wigan Council, who remain a client today.
Decades of making
meaningful connections
Proud to have won
- 2026
Finalist, Family Business of the Year North West - 2026
Patron Award, Wigan & Leigh Hospice - 2025
Local Services Award, The Standing Tall Foundation - 2023
Silver, Armed Forces Covenant Award - 2023
Winner EWI Installer of the Year (Johnstones team) - 2023
Bronze Patron Award, Wigan Youth Zone - 2023
Gold Standard, The Deal for Business, Wigan Council - 2018
Excellence in Customer Service, Northern Housing Awards - 2017
Most Innovative Contractor of the Year, Housing Innovation Awards - 2017
Contractor of the Year, Housing Excellence - 2017
Business of the Year, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce - 2016
Contractor of the Year, Housing Excellence
Honouring our colleague Julie Lowe
In April 2026, the Connolly family were heartbroken when our friend and colleague Julie Lowe sadly died after a short illness.
Julie was often referred to as the OG of Connolly. She was our founder Tony’s first employee and totted up a total of 35 years of service. There was nothing about our business that she didn’t know.
Many people called Julie their Work Mum – she was a wonderful listener, offered great advice and was always so kind.
She left us with many special memories, not least the time when she placed a wheelie bin between her and Tony when he was getting on her nerves. RIP Julie.
What’s next for Connolly?
Our 15 year vision
Any questions?
If you have a programme of works that you’d like to discuss or would appreciate a chat about how to achieve more with less (because isn’t that always how it is!), please fire away.
