About Us

J McCann and Co was established by John Peter McCann, beginning as a specialist business focused on the installation of traffic signs. From these early foundations, the company began building a reputation for quality workmanship, reliability and a strong understanding of the highways industry.

McCann incorporated as J McCann & Co (Nottm) Ltd and continued to diversify by moving into highways lighting and communication systems. This marked an important step in the company’s development, broadening its capabilities and allowing us to support a wider range of highways infrastructure projects.

John James McCann joined the company, bringing the next generation of the McCann family into the business. His arrival would play an important role in shaping the company’s future direction and continued growth.

McCann secured its first Street Lighting Term Maintenance contract with North East Lincolnshire Council. This was a significant milestone, starting the company’s long reputation in highways maintenance capabilities.

John James McCann took over the business as Managing Director, marking a new chapter in the company’s history. Under his leadership, McCann continued to expand its capabilities, workforce and presence within the highways industry.

As the company continued to grow, McCann moved its Head Office to McCann House, in Chilwell, Nottingham. The new premises provided improved facilities for employees and operations, reflecting the scale and ambition of the business.

In 2012, we changed our name to J McCann & Co Ltd dropping the (Nottm) to demonstrate our national growth.

McCann expanded beyond its core highways operations with the incorporation of sister company Peter James Homes, a new home builder. This represented a new area of the business and further broadened the McCann Group’s activities.

McCann celebrated 50 years in business. From its beginnings installing traffic signs in 1967, the company had grown into an established highways and infrastructure business, with five decades of experience and a strong platform for the future.

McCann continued its rapid growth, reaching 200 employees. The milestone reflected not only the expansion of the business but also the increasing breadth of skills, expertise and experience within the McCann team.

The business achieved a £50 million turnover, demonstrating substantial growth over the previous decades.

McCann also joined the 5% Club, reinforcing its commitment to developing people and creating opportunities through apprenticeships, training and early-career development.

The company was also awarded a position on the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework 1, strengthening its position within the national highways market and creating new opportunities to contribute to major infrastructure programmes.

McCann acquired its Lenton Lane depot in Nottingham, marking another major investment in the company’s future.

The site is being developed into a new workshop, training facility and Head Office, creating a modern base designed to support the continued growth of the business, enhance training and development opportunities, and provide improved facilities for McCann’s workforce.

McCann achieved our PAS 2080 accreditation, demonstrating our continued commitment to carbon reduction and sustainable infrastructure practices.

We also celebrated receiving our 10th consecutive RoSPA Award (President’s Award), recognising our long-standing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety.

Alongside these achievements, we reached a significant growth milestone of 300 employees, reflecting the continued development of our business, our growing capabilities, and the strength of our people.

McCann, alongside Nottingham College and leading highways employers, has developed a new Level 2 Highways Electrical Maintenance and Installation Operative apprenticeship to give apprentices the practical skills, knowledge and experience they need to build a career in the highways industry.