GALLAGHER family

What started out as an electric fence manufacturer with 10 staff has now grown to a global exporter involved in animal management, security and fuel systems.

At the head of the now 81-year-old Gallagher Group, is Sir William Gallagher who leads a team of 1100 staff throughout 10 countries.

He joined what was then his father’s company in 1962, working his way up to become chief executive and chairman. Gallagher Group is now owned by trusts associated with Sir William and his brother John, while their children and grandchildren are also beneficiaries. Both men’s sons, Ian and Keith, work for the firm.

The company is a big spender on research and development, committing over 10% of its more than $200 million revenue each year.

2018: $210 million