Building Services veteran Steve Fletcher to retire at Christmas after over 50 years
One of building services’ longest serving workers retires this Christmas after a career spanning more than 50 years in the industry.
Steve Fletcher started his distinguished career in 1968 as an apprentice at Morfitts before rising to become mechanical director.
He served as chairman of the Yorkshire region of the Heating and Ventilation Contractors’ Association from 2008 to 2010 and that year joined G&H as Human Resources Manager, bringing 42 years experience from his time at Morfitts.
Steve joined G&H in 2010 and worked on a range of HR matters, implemented improved terms and conditions and was instrumental in developing the G&H Apprentice Training Academy so youngsters can develop a wide range of skills and forge careers for life.
He had great loyalty to the businesses he worked for, was always very passionate about making them a success and quick to get involved in matters if he felt there was an injustice.
A very calm influence, Steve used his experience to help others in the company either solve problems or develop ideas with unbiased opinions given for the good of the business.
Managing Director of the G&H Group, Graham Kelly, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to Steve for all his hard work, professionalism and the massive difference he’s made to G&H and the building services industry as a whole.
“I also owe him a great personally debt as he took me under his wing as a 16-year-old apprentice at Morfitts when I left school.
“Back then he used to terrify me because he had a very strong presence, he didn’t stand for any nonsense and was a very tough task master.
“I didn’t realise it at the time but he was teaching me about setting high standards and what was needed to be successful so I was very keen for him to join me at G&H which thankfully he did 10 years ago.
“I knew I needed his experience and expertise to improve the workforce and formalising procedures to make the business run smoother before we started really growing.
“My abiding memory of Steve will be the enjoyment we both got when we won the H&V Contractor of the Year award – it was a very emotional moment as it was recognition of the hard work we had both put in over many years.
“Unfortunately, our night out celebrating afterwards was something I will never forget either!
“But in all seriousness, as well as his professional skills and the benefits he brings to the business, the biggest thing I am going to miss after working together for so long is Steve as a person.
“We will keep in touch and I hope he really enjoys retirement, he’s certainly earned it.”
Steve Fletcher said: “Having started out with steam and oil and ending up using a laptop computer, things have changed and continue to do so – not always for the best in my view.
“Having had 42 years at Morfitt’s and nine at G&H, it has been an interesting journey and a highlight was winning the Contractor of the Year award with G&H.”
Steve enjoys a varied life out of work with rugby league one of his passions – playing when younger as well as being an avid Leeds Rhinos supporter.
He was a keen runner and took part in the Great North Run on ten occasions.
Away from sport, he enjoyed his time as a DJ, using the catchphrase ‘DJ Kapelios – super sounds of the Sixties’ around the pubs and clubs he played in.
Steve will be spending his retirement enjoying more time with his family and grandchildren as well as taking long walks in the Yorkshire Dales and finally hitting the gym.
