A much-loved member of the team at a Cumbria financial management firm has received a special send-off as she steps down after working in the firm for 32 years.
Gill Forrester has retired from the Office of Financial Management at Kendal.
Gill, who turns 60 this year, first started working at FMB as a part-time typist but later became assistant to founder Les Beavis and then director of human resources and compliance for the past 16 years of his career.
Gill is originally from Appleby and first worked in the FMB office before moving to the main premises near Kendal.
His last day coincided with FMB’s annual conference, held at Skipton Castle. He uses the day to update employees on company news, as well as to perform a number of team building exercises.
Parts of the day were dedicated to Gill this year, including a video of greetings from former colleagues and the nomination of the Fozzers’ annual corporate staff awards, in honor of his nickname.
“What has made FMB such a fantastic place to work over the years is the people,” Gill said.
“It’s the most important thing in a business. If you have good people, you’ll make the customers happy and the people who work there will be happy too.
“You’ll always do a much better job if you really enjoy coming to work and being with your colleagues. That’s why, as a company, we always make sure to spend time socializing with each other, as well as just working together; it really makes all the difference.
An avid golfer, Gill plans to spend more time on the course in her retirement and travel with her husband Andy. Australia and New Zealand are two of the top destinations on his list.
BKW chief executive Liz Beavis said Gill had played a significant role in running the business alongside her and her sister Ruth Power, who is director of business development.
Liz said: “Gill is a highly valued member of staff who has mentored and trained many young team members during her time with the company. She has become an expert in her field and is highly respected in the financial services community.
“FMB is a family business and Gill is an integral part of our FMB family. She has been with us through thick and thin and we cannot thank her enough for her loyalty and diligence. She will be greatly missed, but thanks to her hard work, the company is in great shape for her to relax in her retirement.
