Loyal staff clock up over 500 years service

December 14th 2018

It is said that the key to business success is keeping your customers happy and treating your staff well.

And judging by the long service record of over half of the workforce at Baines Jewitt one of Teesside's largest firms of chartered accountants the recipe for success is certainly paying off.

The loyal bunch of 20 employees and directors have clocked up over 500 years service between them.

Many members of staff joined Baines Jewitt at the start of their working careers, either as school leavers or graduates. The organisation also believes in rewarding dedication and promoting from within, with several employees working their way up to director level. Yet regardless of job roles and how long employees have been with the firm, each is encouraged to fulfil their potential.

"We are happy to support ongoing training and development to keep on top of new legislation and changes in policy. As a result, many of our employees have achieved - or are working towards - professional accreditation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) or Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) for example," explains Trevor Cook, director.

Yet despite the fact that we have so many long-standing employees, who underpin the bones of the business, we still see ourselves as a very adaptable, forward-thinking company. We are continually looking to stay ahead of the times, develop our business and welcome new members to our team.

As part of its excellent retention record, several individuals have clocked up over 30 years service with Baines Jewitt.

"All this makes us quite distinctive in our field. Our clients enjoy the personal service we provide and the benefit of working with people who know their business inside out. Yet we can still offer them objective, impartial business advice," adds Trevor.

"In many instances we have worked with several generations of the same family. We have also helped hundreds of people get their businesses off the ground and provided the support needed to grow their organisations into some of Teessides most successful firms."

One of Baines Jewitts longest standing employees, Jane Neal, has an impressive 36 years service to her name. Working as a senior accounting technician, Jane started with Baines Jewitt then Baines, Goldston and Jackson - in 1982. She explains:

"I started here after my A Levels and a brief spell on a management training programme in national retail. Initially, I worked as a trainee accounting technician and was also a computer operator, at a time when there was only one computer in the office!

"As well as developing my skills and becoming a fellow member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, I am the Sage contact, so I can support clients in getting the best out of their accounting software. I am also well versed in bookkeeping, management accounts, payroll, tax returns and VAT returns.

"There are so many great things about working here. For example, the flexible working hours and great maternity leave benefits enabled me to raise my family and still carve out a good career. I have also made fantastic friends and built great working relationships with clients, who trust and respect me too."

As well as the supportive training and development culture, which includes time off for study and exams, Baines Jewitts family friendly policy was an added bonus for Gail Harbron, who is also a fellow member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. She explains:

"When I started at Baines Jewitt in 1988 it was my very first full-time job. Little did I know that I would still be here 30 years later! I have worked under two bosses, in three different buildings and with so many amazing people. I am really grateful for the life Baines Jewitt has given me. It has allowed me to bring up my children in the way I wanted and still keep my career on track. It has given me lifelong friends, not only with other members of staff, but with our clients too."

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