"I wouldn't still be here if I didn't enjoy it"

It was 13 and a half years ago when Richard Houghton got the call from his old friend Richard Grant who was setting up a company to distribute battery products from Hoppecke Batterien to companies in the UK.

That makes Richard Houghton, now 48, the second longest serving member of staff at Hoppecke UK. His post now is rail technician.

"I joined a month after Richard Grant," he says. "I've known Richard from school from our engineering days and when he set the company up he asked if I'd like to come on board. At the time it was two men and a van but from small acorns grow mighty oaks. We got off to a good start and it was full speed ahead, with a very positive team that would do anything for the company.

"Richard went to Germany and got the contract from Hoppecke Batterien and I went out and got the business. The company has grown beyond what I expected – but obviously I still enjoy it, I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I still enjoy getting up at six in the morning and doing 10-12 hour days and weekends. I don't have to but I choose to to keep the customers happy and help keep the business running. I enjoy what I do and I'm a hands-on person. I'd like to think most people say I do a good job."

However, Richard Houghton has one complaint. After 10 years' service there was a presentation but unfortunately he was out with customers on a job and, he says, "the champagne was given to someone completely different!"

Maybe in 18 months' time he will get some recognition for 15 years of service – and make sure he is there this time to collect his prize ...!