Long Service Awards

Working at Ernest Doe

A company is only as good as the staff that work for it. We are extremely proud of our staff retention figures and celebrate long service with an annual 'gold watch' ceremony celebrating the 25th work anniversary of each of our team members who reach this milestone.

A PROUD TRADITION

GOLD WATCH CEREMONY AND LONG SERVICE AWARDS

The first gold watches were presented in 1958 to mark the 50th anniversary of Lou Atkins and Jack Whybrow. Jack Whybrow, in turn, surprised Ernest Doe’s son, Ernie, with a gold watch for his own long service of 40 years!

In 1972 a decision was made to present a gold watch to every member of staff on their 25th work anniversary – an incredible 29 gold watches were presented that year! To date, we have presented 307 watches in recognition of the loyalty and dedication given to the company.

In October 2023, we were delighted to celebrate a truly remarkable 400 years’ collective service with the presentation of 14 gold watches and a special 50th anniversary barbecue! Steven Houlding, one of our agricultural service technicians based at our Colchester branch, reached an impressive career milestone with 50 years’ service, having joined our business in 1973!

50 years is a remarkable achievement – thank you for your loyal service and dedication Steven.

Colin E Doe, Chairman

2023-gold-watch-recipients-outside-#1-canon-mr

Previous recipients

Previous recipients

Please browse our archive of long service award winners.

Long service news

Angus-and-Graham-774x300

ERNEST DOE & SONS LTD EXPANDS INTO SOUTHERN LINCOLNSHIRE WITH ACQUISITION OF TWO BURDENS GROUP BRANCHES

Read More
ED3240 Important 774

đź“Ł ANNOUNCEMENT: Temporary Closure at Ulting due to Power Outage

Read More
Long-Service-Awards-2023-774-x300---LR

Honouring 400 Years’ Collective Service

It is particularly poignant that, in our anniversary year, we take great joy in reflecting on the dedication and loyal service of our people; the cornerstone and beating heart of our business.

Read More
2023-Apprentices---group-shot-grid

2023 Graduation Ceremony Apprentice Day

We were extremely proud to host our 2023 Graduation Ceremony Apprentice Day at our Ulting headquarters last week. The event brought together a total of 21 first and second-year apprentices, along with this year’s 7 graduates, in a celebration of their skills development and achievements.

Read More
Ernest Doe Where you buy with confidence