’50 years is a long, long time’
Dedicated paint technician-turned MET technician Bryan Leadbitter was joined by friends and family along with fellow Fix Auto Durham colleagues for a socially-distanced celebration to mark his 50th anniversary of working for the family-owned repairer.
Owners Karen Young and brother Ian Smith lead the surprise celebrations at the Houghton-le-Spring site.
The 66-year-old first started working for the business during the late 1960s and then joined full time six months before his 16th birthday.
Ian Smith said: “Bryan is part of the fixtures and fittings of the business and he’s family really. In fact, he joined when I was barely one. He worked for my dad shortly after he started the business and has been with us ever since. He has witnessed it grow from its humble beginnings to what we have today.
“Fifty years of loyal and dedicated service is incredible, it’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass us by, so we had to organise a socially distanced surprise celebration that met all the official government guidelines.”
Leadbitter said: “Fifty years is a long, long time and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I know I’ve never experienced anywhere else but why would you if you like working for a family like I have over the years. I should retire in September but I’ve already asked if I can carry on for as long as they’ll have me.”
