Retention and low staff turnover are always signs of a healthy and sustainable business. It means people enjoy being at work with their colleagues, can demonstrate and use their skills day to day and have plenty of opportunity for career development. It also means new recruits and apprentices have reassurance that they are getting hands-on training from the people who really know.
That’s why today, we’re celebrating a total of 200 years, 2 centuries of experience across just seven team members.
40 years: Stuart Melville. Stuart’s painting career in Manchester began in 1983 at ER Williams and since 2022, at Ian Williams following the merger. Stuart is an integral part of the team; always willing to go above and beyond for the company, his colleagues and clients and has delivered countless successful projects. He enjoys being with his family in his spare time.
40 years: Jim Smith. Also part of our local Manchester Painting teams, Jim joined ER Williams in 1983 and transitioned to Ian Williams in 2022. He has played a big part in our business delivering some great successes and has helped secure additional works each year. In his spare time, Jim enjoys family holidays but thankfully isn’t quite ready to hang up his paintbrush yet.
30 years: Sacha Newman. Sacha is a very well-respected member of the Bristol painting team having worked on a wide variety of projects over her 30 year service. In her spare time, Sacha enjoys a cider (or two!) while socialising with friends as well as long walks with her dog, Mabel. She also enjoys family holidays at Centre Parcs.
20 years: Ashley Hawkes. Representing our Nottingham painting teams, Ashley joined us as apprentice painter and through hard work and commitment, is now a Contracts Manager. He sets very high work standards being committed to health and safety and developing apprentices. Ashley is a keen darts fan and lifelong supporter of Liverpool FC.
20 years: Michael Byron. Michael has been a valued member of the Manchester painting team for ER Williams and now Ian Williams. Some of his most successful projects have been on Robinson’s pubs, where his good relationships with the landlords can result in a pub lunch or two! When not at work, he enjoys caravanning with his family.
20 years: Jason Brown. Jason joined Plymouth Painting as a Trainee Surveyor and after gaining experience as a surveyor on capital projects, he became a successful Painting Business Manager. His bidding expertise and commercial analysis led to his current role as Commercial Manager. A keen cyclist, he loves being outdoors with his family.
20 years: Jonathan Phipp. John has worked on a variety of contracts during his 20 years, from kitchen and bathrooms, FRA to large refurbishment works for our Maidstone capital teams. His experience makes him a key member of the team. In his spare time, John enjoys fishing and holidays.
We’d like to say a huge thank you for everything you’ve done over the years to help professionally advocate and represent, and help us grow the Ian Williams brand.