Hendy Group has admitted 20 long-serving colleagues to its prestigious 25 Year Club which now numbers 145 members.

Chief executive Paul Hendy said he felt honoured that so many people choose to stay with Hendy which currently represents more than 20 brands across the south coast and has a turnover in excess of £1 billion.

“We pride ourselves on having colleagues of the highest calibre who share our values and having so many people who have worked with us for so many years demonstrates support in our approach to business,” said Hendy.

Among those joining this year is Julie Southgate who is Hendy’s group sales administration manager who is based in Tunbridge Wells.

“This is a role I love where everyone always pulls together and there is always such a sense of achievement when we meet our targets,” said Julie. I love working with my team, watching their achievements and seeing how they have developed over the years is a very rewarding part of my role and to think that I have had a small part in their growth makes me proud.”

“I have always felt fully supported in my role and there is a great relationship with senior management and the directors, and I like to carry that down through my team and with all colleagues that we work with throughout the whole group.”

Also new to the 25 Year Club is Jo Bluer who is based in Portsmouth and is group senior warranty administrator.

Jo said: "I have been in the same working environment for this length time, with great colleagues. Seeing customers over the years come back over time is lovely and some make you feel special as I hope we do for them.”

Good training and benefits, personal development prospects and the fact it is family-run are some of the factors the business believes drive its high colleague retention.