A half-century of service!

Howard Bamford and Michelle Ledgard were recognised for clocking up 25 years each during a ceremony at the 600 Group in Union Street.

Mr Bamford said: “It’s normal to be rewarded for this sort of thing here. But I’m still thrilled to be recognised by the company for my work.”

Ms Ledgard is personal assistant to the chief executive, while Mr Bamford has worked in sales since 1998. He first joined the company as a graduate engineer in 1988.

He said that, despite the internet’s emergence over that period as a global engine room of commerce, he has always prided himself on the personal touch.

“We like to keep it one-to-one with our clients,” he said.

“Being able to demonstrate products to people is one of the things I enjoy about the job.”

Despite spending so long at the company, 47-year-old Mr Bamford said he has no plans to move on just yet!

The Huddersfield Town fan, who lives in Golcar, said: “I’m probably only just over my working life, but I’d like to think I can stay here as long as possible.

“I enjoy work just as much now as I did the first day I came to work here – perhaps even more so!”