Colemans recently celebrated collective milestones, honouring 10 dedicated employees with a combined 145 years of service! This annual event, held at the lively Queslett near our Birmingham Head Office, recognised ten remarkable anniversaries, demonstrating our commitment to a people-first culture.
A golden legacy: Thirty years of tradition
For three decades, the presentation of the gold watches has been a valued symbol at Colemans, a tradition started by Mark and his father, underpinning our commitment to fostering long-term relationships. More than a timepiece, it represents the partnership between Colemans and our dedicated team members, reflecting our core values of unwavering dedication, genuine commitment, and mutual trust.
This year, we proudly celebrated two significant milestones, presenting the gold watches to Paul Schwarm and Lesley Morris, each marking an exceptional 25 years of service. These awards highlight the shared journey and genuine appreciation we have for our team, which embodies our family-centric approach at Colemans.
Paul, our Contract Support Manager, has been a foundation to our team, consistently driving us forward with his innovative spirit and effective solutions. Lesley Morris, our Finance Director & Company Secretary, has provided exceptional financial leadership, ensuring both stability and strategic growth.
Together, Paul and Lesley have become a key part of the team here at Colemans, demonstrating that true success is built on loyalty, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference. As our 9th and 10th gold watch members, they stand as a testament to the remarkable individuals who shape our rich history, and the family spirit that makes Colemans a truly special place.
Decades of dedication across the board
Our celebration went beyond the 25-year milestones, reflecting Colemans’ core values of loyalty and commitment. We were delighted to honour Jody Phillips, Albert Bouncer, and Anthony Christou, who celebrated 15 years’ service, and Chris Mann, Harry Doyle, Danielle Henry, Bryan Bradshaw, and James Doherty, marking 10 years’ service.
These combined milestones, achieved across contract support, project management, finance, and beyond, represent the collective impact of their dedication. Over their years of service, they have contributed to the seamless execution of complex projects, the strengthening of client relationships, and the implementation of efficient operational processes. Their collective experience and fresh perspectives have been instrumental in driving Colemans’ growth and maintaining our reputation for excellence. Their dedication showcases the strength and longevity of our people, which is the foundation of Colemans.
A legacy of family values
Mark Coleman, CEO, reflected: “Since my grandparents founded the business in 1962, family values have been at the core of our Irish family business. This has shaped every aspect of our company that exists today. This is why our employees feel supported, respected, and truly valued, leading to such long and fulfilling careers. With an average length of service of 8 years, Colemans’ culture stands as a testament to these values, demonstrating the power of a genuine family-first approach.”
In their own words:
- Paul Schwarm, Contract Support Manager (25 Years): “My 25 years at Colemans have been an incredible journey of growth and opportunity, shaping both the company and my own career, and I’m proud to have played a part in its success.”
- Lesley Morris, Finance Director (25 Years): “A 25-year career contributing to a fantastic, supportive, forward-looking company, with incredible colleagues is something I am grateful for. Thank you for putting your trust in me.”
Looking ahead: A legacy of dedication, a future of excellence
This celebration is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience here at Colemans. Our commitment to our people remains unwavering, and we will continue to cultivate a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, and where our family values, which have defined us for over six decades, continue to flourish.
The milestones we celebrate today are not just dates in the diary; they are the foundation upon which we build our future. We are inspired by the dedication of our team and are committed to creating a legacy of excellence for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating more milestones as we continue to grow and thrive next year, but it’ll be a two-year wait for more gold watches!
