We have almost come to the end of, not just another year, but the first ten of the new millennium – how time passes! I can remember 2000 as if it was yesterday, although I cannot remember too much about Hogmanay at the turn of the Millennium – my good wife does, and keeps reminding me!
We have much to celebrate – Matt has won the X factor, The Ashes down under look promising as we go to press, the Olympics are not far off, and we have the Royal wedding to look forward to in 2011 and an extra holiday!
On a personal note I am looking forward to the arrival of my first grandchild – around Christmas, so it’s looking pretty exciting – I just hope I get my Christmas dinner ok! We also have had employees becoming Mums and Dads in 2010. Sarah our Credit controller and Duncan (her partner) gave birth to baby Joseph (Sarah did) and it was fantastic news to hear that Richard Valks, our sales account manager and his wife Jane has recently given birth to a baby boy, Edward Thomas, who weighed in at 8lbs 6ozs (heavier than a rugby ball). Richard is a big Rugby fan and player!
We all wish these proud parents all the best and every happiness and would advise to start saving for their University tuition fees now!
The business scene has been challenging in 2010 as it was in 2009 and Harpers has been strengthened through the acquisition of a Hazardous Waste recycling, reprocessing site and transfer station in Middlesbrough – Harpers Environmental Services Ltd. This allows us to offer a much wider service offering to our valued customer base. I would like to welcome all our new staff members and management at our Middlesbrough site led by Darren Smith, General Manager, Jeff who heads up site operations and Pauline who has recently joined as finance and administration manager.
As I write this, the snow is melting and I can see green grass again out of my office window. I have heard the weather professionals are guaranteeing us a white Christmas! So I hope everyone can get around to visit family and friends.
Our Chairman, Nick Harper, also likes a bit of ice and snow as his passion is ice climbing. His domain is on highly exposed vertical rock faces covered in snow and ice in the Scottish Mountains (training ground) and further afield (serious stuff). So happy ice axing Nick and please make sure your pitons, crampons, ropes, belays, and ice axes are all in good working order before you venture out!
I take the opportunity to wish all our customers and suppliers a peaceful and happy Christmas and a prosperous 2011. I am sure we all have had our own challenges and pressures as we have grappled with the recessionary impact. 2011 will present new challenges and I look forward to continuing to build on our existing successful relationships and professional approach to servicing our customer’s diverse requirements.
Finally a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous new year to all our staff and families, from our hard working operatives and drivers in the field to the dedicated staff who make things happen every day, behind the scenes, servicing our customer’s requirements. Thank you for all your hard work and keep it going!
Sincerely
Bob Holley
Managing Director
