Four staff rewarded for 158 years of service between them

Four of our colleagues have been rewarded for their long service after collectively achieving 158 years of employment with us (June 2025).

Nick Tipping, who has marked 30 years’ service, Adrian Hoare and Simon Williams, who both celebrated 40 years and Russell Abell, 48 years, received their awards at The Three Counties Show recently.

Three silvers & a bronze

Heather Williamson, our Chairman, whose grandfather started the award-winning business 95 years ago, says:

“Russell was given a Silver Medal for his 48 years of service, Adrian and Simon also received Silvers and Nick a Bronze Medal for 30 years. These awards were presented on June 13 by the Three Counties Agricultural Society to acknowledge the loyalty and longevity these four have shown to us and all their colleagues. We couldn’t be prouder of all they have accomplished and their commitment to our company across the decades.

Reputation for service

“Russell, who is our Transport Manager, is one of our longest serving employees and started working for us when my grandfather was at the helm back in 1977. He began in our Despatch Department before completing a three-year nursery apprenticeship covering all aspects of horticulture.

“He then worked in our Container and Tree Divisions before returning to despatch, where he progressed to logistics. As the business grew, Russell developed relationships with hauliers and has helped to establish our excellent reputation for service. He is now approaching retirement and would like to thank him for his long years of service and dedication. He will be very much missed.”

Knowledgeable & helpful

Our Garden Design & Domestic Landscape Manager Adrian Hoare has been with the business for 40 years.

Heather explains:

“Adrian does a marvellous job looking after our cash and carry customers, local landowners and landscape designers and is known for being extremely knowledgeable and helpful. No customer is too small, and no request is too much for Adrian. His plant knowledge and ability to help a customer pull a planting scheme together from the plants available on the nursery is much admired. His colleagues enjoy his company, as much as he enjoys mentoring them too.

“He is also our resident bird and wildlife enthusiast. Every year he does the annual bird and insect counts onsite and takes pride in our wildlife welfare; all in addition to his actual job.”

Loyalty & experience

Simon Williams, who has also marked 40 years with the business, is our Commercial Director.

Heather says:

“Following a farming background and graduating from Reading University in maths and statistics, Simon joined us as a trainee accountant, doing day release at Redditch College to gain his ACMA professional qualifications. He went on to take responsibility for audit, budgeting, management accounts and a host of compliance work with extra remits for IT projects and new systems, transport and workshop teams, plus HR functions.

“Simon is retiring in September. We’d like to thank him for everything he has helped us build across the last four decades. His loyalty, experience and fine eye for detail are second to none.”

Tackle any task

Nick Tipping started working here as a seasonal staff member in 1995.

“Nick, our Potting Shed Team Leader, has gained experience in all areas and is a true nurseryman. His willingness to tackle any task and to work when others are unavailable, such as at weekends, is greatly appreciated by us all. Thank you – you have helped shape the nursery into what it is today.”