A LONG serving employee with 30 years service at a firm which supplies products and services to the construction industry has retired.

Susan Barlow, who worked in accounts for the Bolton-based JCW Group, retired last month and marked the occasion with a leaving party.

She first worked with managing director John Wilkins 30 years ago, and continued to do so during a number of his different business ventures.

Susan oversaw the accounting functions for several of John’s companies, eventually joining JCW Group in 1993, becoming a vital and much valued member of the team since then.

When Susan first started, the company had a team of just four employees, compared to today’s workforce of 95.

Bosses said that as well as missing her contribution to the company, they will miss her homemade cakes which she regularly brought into the office.

Mr Wilkins said: "On behalf of the company, and myself personally, I wish Susan a happy and healthy retirement. All the best Susan, and thank you for 30 years of continuous hard work.”

The company held a lunchtime celebration late last month, where Susan was presented with a parting gift.