29 Oct Retirement Spotlight | Steve Hadfield  

Gray & Adams said goodbye to long-serving employee Steve Hadfield. Working in Stores Sales, Steve has worked for Gray & Adams, Doncaster, for the last 24 years, retiring in July this year. We caught up with Steve just after his retirement to find out more about what he will miss about working for Gray & Adams and what he is looking forward to as he enters this new chapter. 

What was your role at Gray & Adams and what were your day-to-day responsibilities? 

I started out in Stores before moving to the yard, where I was responsible for receiving deliveries and helping manage stock coming into the business. When I moved to part-time hours, working three days a week, I helped train the person who would take over my role in the yard. As the company needed someone to be based outside permanently, I moved indoors and joined the Sales team. From then on, my role involved wrapping parts, helping customers in Sales and assisting on the shop floor. Whenever things were quieter, I was always happy to help out wherever I was needed, supporting both the Sales and Stores teams. 

What did you do before you came to Gray & Adams and why did you want to work for the company? 

I started my career in a DIY store, where I worked for seven years. After that, I spent another seven years in a glass bulb factory, manufacturing the outer part of electric bulbs and tubes. Towards the end of my time there, I moved into the Stores department. When the business started to decline, I saw an advert for a Stores position at Gray & Adams. I applied, got the job and have been here ever since. Another reason Gray & Adams appealed to me was that a few people from my village already worked here, so I knew a little about the company before I joined. 

What was your biggest achievement while working for Gray & Adams? 

For me, the biggest achievement was simply enjoying the work and the people I worked with. I’ve always enjoyed being part of the team and helping wherever I could. 

What are your plans for retirement? 

Nothing too permanent just yet. I’m looking forward to getting a few jobs done around the house and then seeing what comes next. I’d like to join a few clubs, enjoy having some extra free time and take things as they come. I’m sure I’ll be looking for my next challenge before too long. 

James and Peter Gray would like to thank Steve for his commitment to the company and wish him all the best in his retirement going forward.