Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction is celebrating the longevity of its loyal team members after their combined service topped 200 years.

Longest-serving members include general operative Dave Catchpole, who has been with the business for 34 years, plus manager Glen Karadzas started his career at Pilbeam 43 years ago and truck driver Paul Graham has worked for the chartered building company for 31 years.

The management team of pre-construction director Andrew Arrow, 24 years, and managing director Alan Corbett, 10 years, have hit big numbers, too, and believe the landmark is worth celebrating.

Andrew said: “Two hundred years combined service is remarkable and a credit to our team.

“It’s also pleasing because we have worked hard to provide a supportive environment and to invest in employees' professional growth and values. It’s very unusual to have an employee who has spent their whole career at just one firm and that makes us feel very lucky.

“We aim to create a collaborative and stable team culture here which is reflected in the loyalty and commitment to delivering projects on time and budget. It’s great to see our hard work pay off with a happy team. I hear the bosses are a right laugh too!”

Amongst the many other reasons team members have stayed with the Southwick contractor for so long are the supportive and friendly environment and the work life balance it provides, as it delivers projects within the commercial, health and care, education, heritage and residential sectors across Sussex and the South East.

Paul Graham said: “I like the fact it’s a friendly business with consistent work and wages. All my colleagues and the office staff are friendly and professional.”

Glen added: “Pilbeam have always worked on numerous varied types of projects. This means every day is different and I like the variety, challenges and the chance to learn something new.

“I have always appreciated the stability of working for Pilbeam. Working with the same team and company over time creates trust, teamwork and sense of family. That makes the job enjoyable and keeps me motivated.”

Other longest servers include Mark Smith, 24 years, Matt Hayler, 13 years, Greg Perry 11 years and John Hay, seven years.

Simon Hepworth, who has clocked up almost 24 years said: “Unlike some larger companies Pilbeam has always felt like a family who care about you. I now work with friends rather than colleagues. I like the variety of projects undertaken from new build to historic monuments each project is different and has its unique set of challenges.”

Contracts surveyor Matt Hayler added: “Having a young family and living locally, the work–life balance here has been a major reason I’ve stayed. Pilbeam understands that people have responsibilities outside of work, and they’ve always been flexible and supportive when I’ve needed it. Being close to home means I can be present for my family without compromising on my career, which is something I really value.

“The people make the biggest difference. The team is friendly, collaborative, and always willing to help, whether it’s solving a technical issue or just having a good laugh on a busy day.”

For more information please visit: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/