Devon born founder and proprietor Dr Ian Widger grew up amidst an extended family of skilled artisans. Working closely with his father, a master mason and general foreman who oversaw numerous local authority renovations and new builds for a Plymouth City based building firm, afforded Ian the opportunity to acquire in depth experience of the allied construction trades from a very early age. This ‘hands on ability’ and creative streak served Ian well as he progressed an academic and executive management career in engineering with specific emphasis on Innovation and New Product Development, formally qualifying with a PhD in Research from UMIST and an MBA from Cranfield University.

Early in 2011, and with the imminent arrival of his first child, Ian left his employ as Chief Technology Officer for a specialist SME and returned to his native South West to start a family centric ‘new life’ and establish Caleb Josiah Shepherd Huts. After careful consideration and extensive research of the Shepherd Hut arena Ian contacted Ian McDonald, a leading authority on Shepherd Hut history. It soon became evident that both parties shared the same core values and vision; to preserve the heritage and history of Shepherd Huts and through the manufacture of authentic reproductions, based on blueprints from Ian McDonald’s original late 1800’s restored Barford hut, offer a real alternative to the current contemporary build Shepherd Hut market.

Caleb Josiah Shepherd Huts acknowledge the support provided by Ian McDonald of the 'Historic Shepherdhuts archive' in order to ensure authentic shepherd hut design.