About Anglian - News

40-year award for Norwich man who stepped into his twin brother's shoes

An Anglian Home Improvements' employee who joined the company just after its inception in 1966 has received a 40-year award, and a pat on the back from the chief executive.

Managing director manufacturing Stig Hansen, with 40-year award winner Paul Howard and chief executive Alex McNutt.

Team leader Paul Howard joined colleague Daphne Courtney who joined the company just a few months later, to head nearly 380 workmates who have been with Anglian for more than 8,000 working years.

"Anglian recently introduced a scheme which recognises long service," explained communications director Melanie Russell. "So we have been having a bit of a catch up with any employee who has given 20-years continuous service."

Leading the field is Paul who joined the company in 1967 after stepping into the shoes of his twin-brother Peter to produce secondary-glazing.

"Peter left on the Friday and I started on the Monday and people couldn't tell us apart, smiled Paul. "When I began I was on £14 a week, but there was so much work I often made more than £40.

"Times have changed and working has been stressful at times, but I have enjoyed it. In fact my twins Jonathan and Lucy now work here."

Managing director manufacturing Stig Hansen, with Daphne Courtney and chief executive Alex McNutt.

Daphne joined in 1968 as the only general office worker, and went on to aid the company's founder George Williams. She now works as a production administration clerk.

Of the awards and her time with Anglian she said: "The awards are a good idea and an excellent way to recognise and say thank you for the loyalty, Staying with the company has meant learning many new things, you have to be prepared to move with the times."

"Anglian people are extremely loyal to the company," said Alex McNutt. "As demonstrated by the high number of people who have been with the company for two decades or more.

"People like Paul and Daphne have shown the kind of commitment and ability to adapt to changes that we can all learn from.

"It is a real pleasure to present the awards and I look forward to many more presentations over the years."

The employees received either a certificate or plaque marking their achievement and points to redeem for a gift.