Thursday, 21 May saw the launch of Make it Happen, written by Pat Thompson and edited by Terry Stevens, founder of the multi-award-winning international tourism consultancy Stevens & Associates.

Members of the team from Graffeg were on hand to support the launch of Pat Thompson’s new book, helping with book sales during a memorable and successful evening celebrating one of Wales’ most influential construction figures.

The event, chaired by Terry Stevens, brought together friends, colleagues and guests eager to hear the story behind Pat Thompson’s extraordinary contribution to the development of modern Cardiff and South Wales.

Born in Haverfordwest in 1943, Pat Thompson left school at the age of 16 to work on motorway projects before studying at Leeds College of Technology, where he gained a Higher National Diploma in building. His early career saw him work with Shepherd of York in Treforest on the construction of Church Village Hospital, before moving to Minter London as a site engineer and concrete supervisor on the foundations of the Heath Hospital in Cardiff.

Over the following decades, Thompson built a formidable reputation across the construction industry in South Wales, holding a series of senior management and directorship roles. He later established his own company, working with Sir Terry Matthews on the first stages of the Celtic Manor Hotel and the Newbridge Networks offices in Newport.

His next major chapter came with South Glamorgan County Council, where he served as Project Manager until his retirement in 2023 at the age of 80. During that time, he played a leading role in many of Cardiff’s landmark developments, including the Welsh National Tennis Centre, infrastructure for the International Sports Village and the 2012 Volvo Round the World Race, the Eastern Park and Ride at Pentwyn, the pedestrianisation of St Mary Street, the return of the historic Pierhead Clock from Alabama to Cardiff, and improvements to visitor facilities at Cardiff Castle.