25 Year Anniversary

If you cast your mind back, just a little...to 1982, a fresh faced General Manager called Michael Hannon joined Sweetnam & Bradley Ltd. This was the year Michael Jackson released the 25 million selling Thriller album, the year 'Chariots of Fire' won the Oscars and the shuttle Columbia completed it's maiden voyage. Also, just to add some real time to this period, I was seven years old and trying to get my mum to buy the new 'eagle eyed' actionman!! Time has certainly passed quickly and successfully for Mike. In 1989 he, along with Richard Wiltshire and Alan Dolman conducted a Management buyout and have run the company ever since. Sweetnam & Bradley has continued to develop even during the economic recession of the 90's. Numerous extensions have been added, machinery procured, all while maintaining a firm and loyal customer base. Richard Wiltshire presented Mike with a new digital SLR camera to commemorate this achievement. Well done Mike!

January '07

The End of an Era

John Hicks commenced employment as a Sheet Metalworker on the 11^th August 1986. Since then, he has proved a valuable member of the Skilled Sheet Metalwork team. For just under twenty years John provided a reliable and knowledgeable dimension to the company.

 It was with much regret that the day of his retirement dawned (16^th June) but we couldn’t let him go without showing him just how much we appreciated his efforts. Firstly, John, a keen gardener, was presented with a personalised Bird House made by Andrew Boulton. Then, the workers downed tools and congregated at the Kings Arms for a Retirement meal.

Michael Hannon presents John with his commemorative watch              Michael presents John with a personalised bird house.

Everyone at S&B wishes John well in his retirement years.

June '06          

All rise for the Mayor!!

On the 9^th May 2006 John Poole (Toolmaker) became the 120^th Mayor of Malmesbury. A civic ceremony was held at the Town Hall, attended by local dignatories.

The post of Mayor is normally held for one year, with the appointed individual voted in by the Town Council. The Mayor of Malmesbury chairs all Town Council meetings and is sometimes charged with making the final decision. As the main representative of the Town, the Mayor is present at many of the important social and business events held throughout the year.

The 120^th Mayor & Mayoress of Malmesbury

May '06

Richard and Mike Kissing the Blarney Stone!

Not content with the stress and strains of working life, Richard, Mike and Alan have now embarked on one of the most demanding extreme sports to come out or Ireland, that of Kissing the Blarney Stone! Richard, Mike and Alan visited Cork on the Emerald Isle between 12Aug to 14th August. We're not exactly sure whether Richard is adopting the traditional position to kiss the stone or whether the Guiness got its revenge!!

Aug'05

As many of you know, we have been working towards compliance to the Investors in People standard for sometime. The Management first investigated the standard in November 2003 and confirmed a commitment to achieving the Standard at the beginning of 2004. It has been a long, difficult journey, with the introduction of a formal appraisal process, the increasing of communication throughout the organisation and a conscious effort made to improve our teamwork. The results have been especially rewarding to all concerned. We finally achieved recognition to the standard on the 6th June 2005. The Management would like to thank all employees and staff of Sweetnam & Bradley Ltd for their commitment to this process. A big well done!

Michael Hannon receiving the Investors in People plaque.

June - Aug 2005

Congratulations Nigel!

Nigel Johnson joined the company aged 17 on the 2nd June 1980. Nigel came straight from school and took up the position of Trainee Sheetmetal Worker.  During his In-House training, Nigel's mentor was a Skilled Sheetmetal Worker called Alan Dolman (who went on to become Production Director).  Nigel proved himself quickly, becoming a highly skilled metalworker.   In January 1992, Nigel was promoted to Charge Hand. The departure of Alan Dolman (Production Director) in June 2004, resulted in Nigel taking on the position of Works Manager. He keeps production flowing with his expertise, understanding and cool calm temperament.  Nigel has now served 25 years with the company and as a show of appreciation was presented with a commemorative barometer by Managing Director Michael Hannon. Everyone at S&B would like to congratulate Nigel on his 25 years service with the company - Well Done Nigel!

June '05

The Return of Banjo!!

Keith ‘Banjo’ Ballard left the company in November 1999 having worked 24 years for S&B.  In December 1999 Keith and his wife moved to the Isle of Wight, taking up an engineering position with GKN Westland.  Unfortunately, he was made redundant in April 2002, along with 800 other employees. He looked for suitable work and took up a part-time position as a Learning Support Officer with the Isle of Wight College. He was eventually taken on as a Full Time Engineering Technician/Tutor.  He gained valuable teaching experience, which coupled with his extensive knowledge and understanding of engineering made him the ideal candidate to ‘mentor’ the younger generation at S&B on his return.  The Directors and Staff would like to say a big ‘Welcome Back’ to Keith.

Oct '04

Congratulations Richard!

Richard Wiltshire joined S&B on the 3^rd September 1979 (I promise not to point out that at this time I was only 3¾ years old!! Ooppps!!).  Ken Bonning (Accountant) died suddenly, leaving S&B desperately needing an accountant.  Richard had carried out annual financial audits on S&B for a number of years prior to joining but at this time was stacking cardboard at Rigid Containers (Kemble).  Richard was contacted by his former employer (Shrimpton, Montgomery & Co) regarding the sudden vacancy.  This all happened whilst Arthur Bradley was away on holiday and on his return he found Richard at Ken’s desk!!  Richard was promoted to Company Secretary in February 1981 and became Financial Director on the 4^th July 1989.  Upon interviewing Richard for this feature, he stated ‘I must be getting slower as I could not find enough to do when I started, now I have too much!’ 

September '04