Here’s to Many More Years on the Open Road

SOUTHERN SHEETING was proud to present delivery drivers Mick Stevens and Phil Joslin with long service awards to celebrate their 20-plus years with the company.

Phil, 61, who joined the company in East Grinstead an amazing 25 years ago, was given £2,500, while Mick, 63, who started 20 years ago and was presented with £2,000.

The pair have been hard at work delivering essential building materials around the UK during the pandemic, helping to keep essential construction projects going with their calm and practical approach. They are both looking forward to spending their money on improving their gardens.

Building materials

Southern Sheeting supplies building materials to roofing contractors, builders, farmers, building owners and the general domestic market.

Phil, who lives near New Chapel, said: ”It’s such a great family atmosphere at Southern Sheeting and they really look after their staff. I love being outside during the day and seeing new places. During the lockdown I really enjoyed delivering to people and helping to keep their spirits up by having a laugh and joke together. It’s pointless to be miserable about the situation we’re in and it was really good to help people out. They were so grateful that we were able to deliver to them.”

Phil joined the company having worked for a fencing contractor but was made redundant after 19 years at the company. He secured temporary work at Southern Sheeting as a driver which soon turned into a full time job, initially in the yard, but then eventually as a driver on a 7.5 tonne lorry. As well as spending the cash on garden improvements, he’s also hoping to put some of the money towards a holiday in a static caravan in Porthcawl, Wales, when restrictions ease.

Deliveries

Mick, who lives in East Grinstead, said: ”I love working here – they treat you like family and Tony is the best boss I’ve ever had. Everyone is so friendly and easy going which is perfect for me. I wouldn’t want to work somewhere where I’m just a number. They trust their staff to do a great job here and I’ve never felt the need to look for another one. Every day is different. I love meeting people and getting out on to the open road in the counrtyside.”

On working during the pandemic, Mick said: ”I just used my common sense and stayed calm. It was very rewarding helping people by delivering important construction materials and many of the people we were delivering to were self employed so it was especially important for them when a lot of the builders’ merchants were closed and materials were hard to come by. People were so appreciative of the service we were providing.”

Mick joined the business after he was made redundant from his job as a motor mechanic and a friend recommended him for a job at Southern Sheeting. At the interview Tony offered him the job and asked: ’When can you start’ and Phil said: ’Tomorrow?’ He started the next day as a forklift truck driver in the yard and then became a delivery driver. Southern Sheeting helped him to take is HGV license and he passed first time.

Tony Hobbs, Managing Director, Southern Sheeting, said: ”It’s a pleasure to present Mick and Phil with their long service awards and I’m looking forward to many more years of working with them. They are a credit to Southern Sheeting.”