Member Article

Forklift driver celebrates 30 years’ service

A Nottingham forklift truck driver is celebrating three successful decades with a leading housebuilder and plans to continue until his retirement.

Paul Towers joined Persimmon Homes in 1989 as a qualified forklift truck driver and believes if you enjoy your job there is no need to change.

The 61-year-old transferred from the housebuilder’s East Midlands division in 2017 to join the newly created Nottingham team. He is currently working at the Holdingham Grange site in Sleaford.

“I feel fortunate to still enjoy my job,” said Paul. “Way back a friend suggested I drove forklift trucks, so I did and have done ever since. I’m not keen on change but why would I want to move on, the sites camaraderie is great and the job suits my lifestyle.

“Building a home is a team effort and I feel a valuable part of that team. It takes total concentration negotiating a forklift around a building site, it’s a risk assessment with every lift. Making sure my colleagues have their building supplies to hand so they can do their jobs makes me feel worthwhile.”

When asked about the toughest part of his job, Paul added: “Manoeuvring scaffolding pole and roof trusses around a busy site is probably the most demanding part of my job, but it’s a challenge I enjoy.”

Neil Follows, managing director from Persimmon Homes Nottingham, said: “Thirty years is an impressive milestone. We feel privileged to have such an experienced and well-liked employee in our team.

“Forklift truck drivers are an essential part of our construction team. It may look easy, but they’re in charge of powerful machines and need precision control to ensure the site can continue to operate.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Persimmon Homes .