Last week we celebrated a very special day at Fortnum & Mason, the 90th birthday of our Sales Associate Stanley Grant.
Stanley works on our second floor at 181 Piccadilly three days a week, and is a much loved member of the team, having worked here for 20 years and 4 months (no less).
As you'll see in this picture, a number of his colleagues in the Retail team got together to surprise him with a birthday cake, and he had this to say at the celebration.
"It's remarkable that the company is able to employ people of my age. Young people will still be able to be working at 75 if they wish. You could all be enjoying this kind of celebration! I haven’t yet put in my resignation. I thought I was being spirited away to be given my P45! I can’t think of a better place of work than this. It’s great to work for a family business. The love of the people here is what makes the experience. It’s a very thoughtful and loving company, and I haven’t kept going just to break records. There have been employees of 90 years in the past…so hopefully we’re all going to live longer.”
What brought him to Fortnum's in the first place?
"I actually came here to complain initially, as a customer. My career experience was in leather goods, so at the time I was keen to express my opinion on Fortnum's products and available stock, I said to the team that I could help and that I wanted to put it right. For the sake of England! I expected to be here 3-6 months something like that, and it really grew on me. I find it an extremely happy environment working with colleagues who I address as ladies and gentlemen (like the customers). This is a company far-sighted enough to take me on in my 70th year, but also in a position of responsibility. It also feels as if the legislation has just caught up. People have not outgrown their usefulness at the age of 65-70. They can find a niche where they are useful. I blame the company for taking me on!"
Stanley has no plans to retire, but if he ever does, we asked him what he'd like to do?
"The garden. And keep busy. If you want a long life, keep working. I'm a firm believer that you should always work as long as you can, if you've got the health and strength."
In the meantime Stanley is going out for a birthday meal with his family, and is planning to keep enjoying playing golf and listening to classical music - having been a previous member of a Fortnum's choir (amongst other things).
Happy birthday Stanley, and thanks to all of our colleagues who have recently completed long service milestones at Fortnum & Mason.
#teamFortnums #thankyou #facesofFortnums #retailcareers #fortnumandmason
Head of eCommerce (SFCC, Shopify Plus, Headless/Composable)
1moThe absolute best in the biz!! Keep up the awesome work, Shannon, excited for many more years to come #TeamEcom :)