BACKING your workforce and keeping moral high is something some firms can find difficult.
But when a member of staff has family stunning the world at the Winter Olympics, it makes supporting an effort that bit easier.
That’s the case at John A Stephens where they’ve supported employee Toni Welbourne and the efforts of her son Jack, who is a short track speed skater, currently battling out at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
And it’s an all the more amazing feat given he earned a place in the 1500m and relay squads at this February’s event four years earlier than expected.
And he capped that with a bronze medal in the British relay team at the European Championships in January.
The firm have kindly donated funds towards a pair of skates for Jack, that cost around £1000.
And that’s after the 18-year-old has shot to prominence in the sport, recently finishing sixth in the world at the Junior World Championships, having risen an unbelievable 56 places in just two years.
And Toni and the family, from Bilborough, say the firm’s gesture has been exceptionally helpful, particularly given minority sports don’t receive much help financially.
“Most of the colleagues are interested and people ask how well he’s doing,” she said.
“People say he’s done really well and he just seems to have excelled over these last couple of years. We’re really grateful to receive the support from the firm.”
Manager Peter Stephens explained why John A Stephens got involved with the donation.
He said: “It’s great to see Jack doing so well, we heard he was struggling a bit with costs and travelling so we thought we’d help out.”
And he explained why the firm are still one of the most efficient suppliers, both to the trade and DIY enthusiasts all over the region.
He added: “We just want to keep giving excellent service. We’ve kept all of our staff in the recession and we’re proud to be carrying on providing our depth of stock and being the reliable, quality business we’re famed for.”
Keep a look out for Jack’s progress at the Olympics that run until February 28. For more information on John A Stephens visit www.johnastephens co.uk or call 0115 981 4313.
