I’Anson employee celebrates silver anniversary at company away day

Chris I’Anson and Jo Woollard

I’Anson, one of Yorkshire’s premier suppliers of animal feed, has celebrated the long service of one of its employees at a company away day at Camp Hill in Bedale.

Operations Administrator, Jo Woollard, celebrated her 25th anniversary and was presented with a certificate of recognition and, in I’Anson tradition, a Britannia gold coin. Originally from Leeds, Jo has worked at I’Anson since 1993. Having started in sales administration, Jo moved into operations in 2007 where she assists the operations manager across a wide variety of duties including production, personnel and health and safety.

Around 180 current and former I’Anson employees, along with their families, came together at the away day, boasting an impressive 1,350 years of collective service with the Masham-based manufacturer. An annual event, the away day saw the group enjoy a range of activities before celebrating Jo’s significant milestone.

I’Anson managing director Chris I’Anson, said: “We’ve enjoyed working together and Jo is a vital part of the team. I’m delighted to be rewarding her for such long and excellent service.”

Commenting on her award, Jo said: “‘I very much enjoy working at I’Anson and appreciate being recognised in this way. The company really looks after all of us and I’m sure there’ll be many more of my colleagues getting their 25-year gongs in the future!”

This latest milestone marks a long tradition of I’Anson recognising the long periods that employees stay with the firm, with Jo’s father, Frank Fletcher, also on the long servers list having marked his own 25th anniversary at I’Anson in 2004. In 2016, five other employees were jointly recognised for a combined 145 years spent working at I’Anson.

Employees were surprised by a Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) helicopter landing on-site during the event – a planned visit in recognition of I’Anson’s long-term support of the charity. Staff met the life-saving crew and saw at first-hand some of the equipment I’Anson’s support has helped to buy, including night vision goggles which enable the aircraft to operate in hours of darkness.