Committed to staff training and retention, Simpsons Malt has recognised the dedication of its employees with the presentation of long-service certificates.

Sraff at the family-owned firm — now in its fifth generation — were thanked by chairman Simon Simpson OBE, and his son and vice-chairman Richard Simpson at a dinner marking the special occasion, at the Queens Head Hotel, Berwick upon Tweed.

Recognised for 15 years’ service were ICT support Joy Brewis, maltings engineering manager Callum Richardson and, from the transport department, manager Gareth Riddell and driver David Clark.

Grain trade director Gordon Wyllie was thanked for his 20 years of work, while eexecutive PA Shirley McCreath, Craigswalls site manager George Sykes and malting operator Terry Coulson have each worked at the company for 30 years.

Agrochemicals / grass seed supervisor David Macvicar, Ian Mortan, a process controller, and senior operator, based at Tivetshall, Mark Flatt, were also awarded for 30 years’ service.

Richard Simpson said: “Having been involved in the family business for 20 years, I am pleased to recognise the dedication that each of our long service employees has brought to their role and the company.

“We are committed to working with members of staff to facilitate personal development through support and training opportunities. This is just one of the reasons we believe that so many of our employees choose to remain at Simpsons Malt.”

Shirley McCreath, one of the maltster’s longest-serving employees, having started as a lab technician in 1987, said: “It has been a real pleasure working with Simon, Richard and all my colleagues at Simpsons Malt for the past 30 years. The long service of employees is absolute testament to the commitment the family has to running a successful business with a loyal team.”