Hendy Group has continued its long-standing scheme to recognise the contribution of its most loyal staff by welcoming two new members to its ‘25 Year Club’.

The Hampshire-based group’s club brings together loyal employees who have worked for the automotive group for 25 years or more, and new additions Karen Ackerman, a member of the business centre in Swanwick, and Tony Lane, who works in parts operations in Eastleigh, grow its membership to 104.

To celebrate, Hendy rewarded members of the growing social set with a glittering evening of entertainment at Hever Castle in Kent, with members treated to a drinks reception, tour and music from a string quartet.

Hendy Group chief executive, Paul Hendy, said: “Our friendly and motivated staff are key to our success so it’s important to us to reward them for their loyalty.

“I am immensely proud that such a high percentage of our workforce want to stay here for decades.”

New club member Lane followed his brother’s footsteps into the business and the loyalty group.

His brother has worked for the company for 35 years and his two sons also work for the automotive group.

Lane said: “It was a great evening and nice to be rewarded for long service. I think other than the Hendy family themselves our family has the longest-standing service to the company. If you enjoy your job, why move?”

Ackerman, who started as a part-time receptionist and is now a member of the team at the Swanwick business centre, said: “25 years has gone in a blink. I think what makes it a great place to work is the fact that it’s a family business. All of the directors are so friendly and approachable and everyone knows everyone. It’s like a big extended family.”

Hendy Group has a high percentage of staff who have served with the company for a decade or more.

It forecasts that 15% of its staff will have racked up 25 years of service or more by 2022.

Good training and benefits, staff development prospects and the fact it is family-run are some of the factors to which the family business attributes its high staff retention.

Paul Hendy added: “We believe our customers get the very best service from a happy and motivated team. That’s exactly what we’ve created and we’re delighted that the 25 Year Club is quickly becoming the least exclusive club.”