Fifty years on, Pete, now in the role of Technical Services Field Supervisor, is responsible for a team of four Service Technicians. Their role is to make sure the beer gets from the cellar to the bar – those working in a pub will fully understand this often more complex than it seems! Between Pete and the team, they each provide technical support for 38-55 of our 177 Managed House and Business Partnership pubs. This ranges from cellar installation in new builds to planned maintenance visits every 6 months, breakdown repair and 10-year refits. So, consider Pete and his team responsible for keeping the arteries of the pub working; which means he really is crucial in keeping the heart of our pubs functioning!
Almost always on the road, when I caught up with Pete on the phone, he was on the second day of a two-day re-fit at The Red Lion, Gillingham, with four technicians and over 30 metres of pipe to fit!
Pete explains… “I joined H&W on a week’s work experience and was then offered an apprentice role with the Cellar Services team, as they were back then. So I finished school and started a few weeks later in August 1970. Of course things have changed a lot in that time, but I can honestly say I found the job I really love, where we’re treated with respect and a company that are really family orientated from top to bottom. ”
Matt Kearsey, Managing Director, says… “The history of H&W is built on the skill, commitment and dedication of people like Pete. It is with complete awe and humble gratitude that we thank him for his fifty years of service and loyalty to H&W.”
Chris Merry, Head of Distribution says… “After half a century of service I can honestly say that Peter is a legend. He is an inspiration to the team and his dedication to the job is exemplary, his legacy will be the team that he has developed and the high standards of work that we will continue to deliver.”