The Gallagher Group, founded over five decades ago by his grandfather Pat Gallagher, has grown from a single JCB 3C Mk2 to a fleet of over 300 machines and more than 500 employees. Now, the legacy is being embraced by the next generation.

Finlay spent his school holidays not on the beach, but behind the controls of a JCB 3CX Plus backhoe loader, learning the ropes under the expert guidance of Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex. He passed the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test with flying colours — showing not just technical skill but maturity, focus, and a natural feel for heavy machinery.

Trainer Derek Mansfield was full of praise: “Finlay was one of the most capable and enthusiastic young trainees we’ve ever had. His understanding of the machine’s functions and his precision were way beyond what you’d expect at his age. He’s a real natural.”

Pat Gallagher, still chairman of the business, is bursting with pride: “I always said I wasn’t great behind the controls of a digger — so Finlay is already doing better than I ever did! His passion has been clear from an early age, and to see him achieve this is genuinely inspiring.”

Finlay’s father, Stephen Gallagher, a director in the business, echoed the sentiment: “Finlay’s grown up around machines. He’s always been curious and eager to learn — even as a toddler, he was asking questions about how everything worked.”

Finlay’s love for diggers goes way back — to when he was just three or four, sitting on his grandfather Dave’s lap in a dozer. His admiration for JCB machinery and construction only grew from there.

Now officially qualified, Finlay has already made an impression on the wider industry. He was invited to a JCB Groundworker Day, where Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman, presented him with a special gift and praised his achievement: “Finlay has shown remarkable skill and enthusiasm. He’s proof of how intuitive today’s JCB machines are to operate — even for someone so young.”

He even joined the JCB demonstration team, making his debut by operating a hydrogen-powered backhoe loader during the opening showcase.

Finlay isn’t stopping here. He’s eager to expand his skills across other types of plant machinery and is sharing his journey with the world on Instagram: @digger_finngallagher. Inspired by influencers like @the_happydigger, he hopes his story will encourage other young people to consider a career in construction.

“This qualification is just the start,” Finlay said. “I’d love to help grow the Gallagher Group one day — just like my grandad Pat did.”