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At Counterline, our success is built on more than our products, customers and business growth. It is built on the people behind the counters — and particularly those who have dedicated many years of their working lives to the company.
We’re proud to be market leader for the design and manufacture of bespoke foodservice counters and displays, but that didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of our workforce. From the Machine Line to Final Assembly, Sales Team to Export Division, those that have dedicated years of service to the company are the pillars of Counterline’s 43 years story.
Through changing markets, new technologies, evolving customer expectations and the many challenges that come with running a successful business, they have provided something invaluable: experience, knowledge and continuity.
Behind The Counter: Experience That Makes a Difference
Years of service brings an understanding of a business that cannot simply be learned from a handbook. Long-serving members of the Counterline team have developed an in-depth knowledge of our products, processes, customers and ways of working.
That experience often means knowing the small details that make a big difference; understanding what a customer needs before they have fully explained it, knowing how to solve a problem efficiently, or being able to share lessons learned from situations encountered years before.
Their knowledge also provides an important link between Counterline’s past and its future.
Counterline’s Sales Director, Paul Purslow explains the importance of their dedicated workforce with the development of the Behind the Counter campaign,
“In recent years we have been honouring our colleagues with monthly social media posts, highlighting ALL work anniversaries. We wanted to shine a light on the fantastic work of those in our factory, and our office, and showcase the people Behind the Counter.
“We’ve also been highlighting staff promotions, retirements, industry successes and achievements outside of work, to really celebrate our employees and show them we value their contributions and loyalty.”
Passing Knowledge On
One of the greatest contributions made by experienced employees is the knowledge they share with colleagues.
Whether through formal training, day-to-day conversations, practical advice or simply leading by example, long-serving employees help newer members of the team develop their own skills and confidence.
Mr Purslow notes Counterline colleague Peter Worthington as an example of this. He said, “Peter has given 20 years of service and has been a cornerstone of the Machine Line team. He’s mentored countless colleagues and helped build the team up to the success it is today. His commitment, positive energy and expertise is irreplaceable.
“This sharing of knowledge creates a stronger workforce and helps preserve the values and standards that have contributed to Counterline’s success.”
A Career Full of Change
For many long-serving employees, their careers at Counterline have seen significant change.
Roles and responsibilities have evolved. Products and technologies have developed. Customer expectations have changed, and the wider business environment has continued to move forward.
Yet throughout these changes, the longest-serving colleagues have adapted and continued to contribute. Their ability to embrace change while retaining the experience gained over many years is something worth recognising.
“Perhaps our longest serving staff member was Graham Burgess,” recounts Purslow. “He retired in October 2023 after an incredible 39 years of dedication and unmatched craftsmanship.
“Graham was a true Counterline legend! He began his career as a fabricator, and later pioneered industry-first designs. His contribution to the business was nothing short of extraordinary. His welding skills set the bar high, and his transition to the drawing office resulted in groundbreaking innovations like the ‘drop in’ display and the original iDesign modular counters. Graham’s designs boosted our export division to new heights.”
Just last year, Anthony Jennings, a part of the Counterline team for 21 years and counting, was promoted to Technical Manager. Purslow explains, “This was earned after a very successful period of running the Technical Department as a Senior Engineer, and in recognition of his outstanding performance, dedication, and significant contributions made since he took over the day-to-day running of the Department.”
More Than a Length of Service
Long service is about more than the number of years someone has worked for a company. It represents commitment, relationships and countless contributions made over time.
Behind every year of service are everyday moments: helping a colleague, supporting a customer, solving a difficult problem, meeting a deadline, sharing a laugh with teammates and turning up ready to get the job done.
These individual contributions may not always make headlines, but collectively they help shape the culture and character of Counterline. In the last 12 months, two long-serving employees have retired. Their combined service was an incredible 55 years!
Mr Purslow pays tribute to them, “Billy Moss dedicated 28 years of loyal service to Counterline. During his time with us, Billy was a model employee and successful in various roles and departments across the business.
“Steve Fraughan gave 27 years of hard work to Counterline, Steve was a valuable member of our leadership team who helped guide the business, as well as fellow colleagues, to the success we enjoy today.”
Looking to the Future
While we celebrate the contribution of our all our staff, the influence of our long-serving colleagues, extends beyond what they have already achieved. The knowledge, standards and values they have developed over the years help provide a foundation for the next generation of Counterline employees.
Team members with significant long-service include:
26 years
Andy Shillcock – Production Manager
21 years
David Waring – Technical Manager
William Moss – Production Operative
Robert Gregory – Production Operative
Anthony Radcliffe – Production Operative
Dylan Meredydd Jones – Technical System Support
Colin Robert Hargreaves – Production Foreman
20 years
David Whitter – Production Operative
19 years
John Murray – Production Supervisor
Gary Jones – Production Operative
As new colleagues join the business and bring fresh ideas and perspectives, the combination of new energy and established experience creates an opportunity for Counterline to continue growing while remembering what has made the company successful.
Thank You
To everyone who has spent many years as part of the Counterline team: thank you.
Thank you for your loyalty, hard work, knowledge and commitment. Thank you for supporting colleagues, serving customers and helping Counterline develop over the years.
Most importantly, thank you for being part of the story.
