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JCB worker breaks long-service record after 50 years at firm

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:20:00 GMT

WHEN Alan Slaney started work at digger giants JCB 50 years ago little did he know that he would walk out as their longest serving employee.

Alan followed in his father Bertram's footsteps when he joined the firm straight from school in 1960 at the age of 15.

Now he has bowed out having become the company's longest-ever serving employee, beating the previous record of 49 years and two months.

It is the second time the dad-of-three has got his name into the company's record books.

When company founder Joe Bamford, affectionately known as Mr JCB, introduced long service awards in 1980 Alan and Bertram became the first father and son to receive the accolade for 20 years service.

But the great-grandfather from Elm Drive, Cheadle, nearly did not make his personal goal of clocking up 50 years.

When the company was forced to shed jobs because of the recession Alan, now 65, volunteered offered to take voluntary redundancy to save the job of a younger colleague.

But the firm said they could not afford to lose his skills and expertise.

Site engineer Alan, who was part of the site services team responsible for the maintenance of JCB's factories and premises, has held roles from foreman to supervisor to energy management officer.

But he never left the Rocester site, which is a short distance from where he was born.

During his half century of service he has seen the company expand from one base in a former cheese factory in Rocester to 18 global plants.

He originally intended joining his father on the factory floor, but he was poached by a foreman who needed an apprentice electrician.

He said: "When I walked through the doors all those years ago I never thought I would be here for so long.

"Fifty years was my personal goal and it has been quite an achievement.

"When the recession came I offered to go, to save another job in the department. I had come to the end of my working life and I did not have a mortgage.

"Other younger employees were the sole wage earners in their households and I wanted to protect them."

Alan, who married wife Margaret in 1965, added: "I have been very lucky and feel privileged to have worked here and to have known the Bamford family.

"There have been some hilarious times as well as some serious incidents, such as two fires in 1999 and 2002. I feel proud I contributed to keeping the department running."

JCB chief executive Alan Blake led the tributes to Alan at the retirement presentation.

He said: "Alan is one of the unsung heroes of JCB. Roles like his are critical to keeping the business running smoothly and it is people like Alan who have helped lay down the foundations of the successful business we see today."

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JCB backs worker who stole vodka from store

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

DIGGER giant JCB is standing by one of its employees after he stole vodka from a supermarket.

Prolific offender Paul Wright has 42 offences of dishonesty on his record and is still on prison licence for another crime until next April.

But Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court has given Wright another chance after hearing JCB is supporting its worker and that he is no longer taking heroin.

Handing him a 12-month conditional discharge, Judge Granville Styler told Wright: "I am going to give you a chance because it seems to me you are making an effort.

"You do not look to me that you are someone who is back on heroin.

"I suspect JCB won't support you again if you go off the rails.

"If you have sticky fingers again I am afraid you will know what the consequences will be.

"You have got your support, you are a lucky man."

The court heard 34-year-old Wright had hidden a £19.48 bottle of vodka in his jacket before walking out of Stoke's Sainsbury's store on May 31.

Witnesses have told how Wright left the shop and went to a waiting car.

But when he was challenged by two members of staff he got out of the car, ran off and threw the bottle in some nearby bushes.

Wright, of Sprinkwood Grove, Weston Coyney, was arrested and made full admissions in his police interview. He later pleaded guilty to theft.

The court heard the defendant is on licence from prison for an offence of burglary. Last year The Sentinel reported how he had absconded from Sudbury Prison, on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, while serving that custodial sentence.

Nicholas Bell, mitigating, said Wright is now testing negative for drugs, is in a stable relationship and is still paying maintenance for his two children.

He said: "He is employed by JCB and they are aware of his history and are supporting him."

JCB was today unavailable for comment due to its annual factory shutdown.

Wedding party illness still a mystery

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

FIFTEEN people who suffered sickness and diarrhoea after a wedding reception might never find out why they became ill.

Guests at the function at JCB's Lakeside club in Rocester needed help from paramedics after being struck down almost two weeks ago.

Experts from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) took samples from the victims following the outbreak.

But one sample has come back inconclusive and the other was negative.

An HPA spokesman said: "Further tests are being carried out but it could be four weeks until we have the results, and even then we might not be in a position to establish what happened."

The wedding party hired the Station Road club from the digger-maker and brought in private caterers. Three guests were taken to hospital and a further four called 999 for advice after arriving home.

Samples still being tested

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

REVELLERS who suffered sickness and diarrhoea after a wedding reception must wait until Friday for health experts to reveal why they were taken ill.

Fifteen guests at the function at JCB's Lakeside club in Rocester needed help from paramedics after being struck down.

Three of them were taken to hospital and a further four called 999 for advice after arriving home.

The wedding party hired the Station Road club from the digger-maker and brought in private caterers.

Experts from the Health Protection Agency took samples from the victims following the outbreak on Friday night. A spokesman said: "The samples are now being analysed at our laboratories and we should have the results by Friday to see if it gives us any pointers to what caused the illness."

Grandpa Joe's jog at JCB run less wild than bull-run terror

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:20:00 GMT

GRANDFATHER Joe Vazquez was not too concerned about participating in a five-mile run – because the last race he ran was in front of a bull.

The 64-year-old joined more than 500 participants at JCB's 27th Lakeside Five and Fun Run last night.

The grandfather-of-four, from Lower Tean, wasn't showing any visible scars from getting involved in the famous Pamplona Bull Run earlier this month.

But he did don the red neckerchief which participants in the Spanish event wear for the digger maker's race yesterday.

The 825-metre bull run usually sees six fighting bulls and two herds of bullocks chase entrants through the streets.

And Joe, who works as an export customer service adviser at JCB, said: "It was the most frightening thing I have ever done."

The father-of-four, who is originally from Barcelona, joined 438 others in yesterday's five-mile run – the Lakeside Five – outside JCB's Rocester base.

And it was easy to spot Joe as he completed the course while waving a Spain flag.

"I'm very proud of Spain winning the World Cup and my colleagues have all been very pleased for me," he said.

Earlier, in the 2.2-mile fun run – which attracted 103 entrants – JCB worker Dave Green took part for the first time. The 48-year-old, from Cheadle, entered with nine-year-old daughter Georgia.

And Dave, who works at the Rocester base as a manufacturing manager, said: "This is the first time I have taken part in this.

"I've done it for my daughter as she really wanted to do it."

Cheadle Primary School pupil Georgia said: "I really wanted my dad to be part of the race and to run with me."

Mum Angela, aged 43, a hairdresser, entered the five-mile race.

The mother-of-four, who also competed in this year's London Marathon, said: "It has become a real family affair as my other two daughters run. It's such a stress-buster."

The two races helped raise £3,000 for the NSPCC.

And entrants were handed a specially-designed medal to mark the company's 65th anniversary.

Another family connection saw barman Jason Richards, aged 40, take part in the fun run, which was open to anyone, with three-year-old son Thomas. Jason, who travelled from Bilston, near Wolverhampton, for the race, pushed the toddler around the course in his pushchair.

And he said: "This is the 27th event we have both been in.

"He seems to enjoy it and likes getting medals and certificates."

Race director Mick Smith, aged 65, from Rocester, helped organise the event from the beginning.

Retired Mick, who worked at JCB for 48 years, said: "It all started from a group of people having a run at lunchtime. It's been a good turnout this year and we're very pleased."

Runner Ben Gamble won the five-mile race for the fourth time in as many years with a time of 26 minutes and 10 seconds.

And the 28-year-old, from Stone, said: "I feel very lucky to have won. It was a really good race."

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JCB expects rise in profits during year despite fall in sales

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:20:00 GMT

DIGGER giant JCB says it expects to see a "significant improvement" in both sales and profits this year.

The comments came as the Rocester-based manufacturer posted pre-tax profits of £29 million for 2009, up from £28 million the year before.

Turnover was down by a third, to £1.35 billion.

The firm said it was encouraged by the performance in the face of a global market that fell by 46 per cent last year.

With total sales of 36,000 machines, JCB increased its market share to an all-time high of 12.2 per cent to reinforce its position as the world's third-biggest construction equipment manufacturer.

Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said "tough action" had helped the firm improve its profitability.

JCB employs about 4,000 people in Staffordshire.

Since summer 2008, it has axed about 1,800 employees in a bid to cut costs and keep production levels down.

But in April it announced shop floor workers would receive a three per cent pay rise and that it was planning to take on up to 200 more staff.

Sir Anthony said: "2009 was hugely challenging for the construction equipment industry.

"The entire JCB organisation pulled together magnificently to respond decisively to the unprecedented downturn, which was particularly severe in the first half of the year.

"Tough action was taken to adjust our cost base to align it to a much reduced level of demand, and this resulted in an improving profit trend as the year progressed.

"We have created a strong platform for renewed profitable growth."

Sentinel Business reported on Monday that JCB was embarking on a £20 million investment in a new generation of its backhoe loader, which was pioneered by founder Joseph Cyril Bamford in 1953.

The first 'eco' machine that rolled off the production line at Rocester, pictured below, was decorated in Union Jack colours to celebrate its launch and the company's forthcoming 65th anniversary in October.

Sir Anthony said: "Despite the economic difficulties, we continued to invest in new products, with 11 innovative machines launched so far this year including the most fuel-efficient backhoe loader we've ever produced.

"JCB's backhoe already leads the market on fuel efficiency and the new eco backhoe offers customers fuel savings of up to 16 per cent compared to the outgoing model, setting a new standard in backhoe technology and placing us in a strong position to capitalise on improving market conditions."

Sir Anthony said that during the first half of the year the construction industry had seen a "strong recovery" in emerging markets such as India, China and Brazil, although the traditional markets of Western Europe and the U.S. remain weak.

He added: "On balance, we expect to see a significant improvement in both sales and profits this year compared to 2009."

Gordon Richardson, works convenor for the GMB union, said: "We have been witnessing an increase in production along with the return of some old faces.

"It's nice to see some of the old guys coming back into meaningful employment. Even if it is in agency roles, at least it's a step in the right direction.

"One thing we are pleased about is the introduction of the eco diggers, because the union has pledged to support green issues which create meaningful employment."

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JCB jet-setter is happy to spend time at home after 40 years

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:20:00 GMT

COLIN Bond has visited more than 76 countries during his career at digger giant JCB.

And the 62-year-old said he has clocked up "millions of highlights" in his 41 years of service for the Rocester firm.

Yesterday, he waved goodbye to colleagues as he retired.

He said: "Now I've made the decision to retire and the day has arrived, it seems like only yesterday that I joined."

Colin started out in 1969 in the machine shop at Rocester, before rising to the position of worldwide events project manager, organising shows and exhibitions all over the world.

He said: "There's been millions of highlights, just in being part and parcel of working for a fantastic company and being involved in so many things that it's done.

And he cited his involvement in breaking the land speed record in 2006 as a high point.

It was Colin who was driving the JCB Fastrac tractor that gave the Dieselmax car a push start at 40mph as it set off on an 11-mile course over the Bonneville Salt Flats in the U.S.

It then hit 350mph to break the world diesel land speed record.

Colin's wife Delia, aged 62, also worked at JCB before retiring as company archivist about four years ago, while daughter Tina works at JCB Insurance.

It was thanks to Delia that Colin got his break at the firm.

Delia, who was working at the machine shop in Rocester, reported for duty, despite the fact she was due to be on holiday ahead of their wedding.

Company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford asked her what she was doing and, during the course of the conversation, questioned why her fiance was not working for the firm too.

Colin joined and was soon promoted to test and development and later spent 20 years as a demonstrator, showing off JCB machines worldwide.

When the company donated machines to help out in the aftermath of the Armenian earthquake in 1988, Colin spent two weeks there helping.

He said: "I've been able to travel the world. I've visited every continent and seen more than 76 countries.

"I've been to lots of beautiful places, but I've also seen poorer parts of the world such as India, and I visited all of Eastern Europe when the Iron Curtain was still in place."

Colin, of Uttoxeter, said he will miss his former colleagues, but hopes to keep in touch with them.

He said: "The beauty of my job was I got to mix with the senior people and the people on the shop floor."

He said he was looking forward to a relaxing retirement after a career that often demanded time away from home.

"I want to spend a lot more time with my family," he said.

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford paid tribute to Colin.

He said: "Colin has helped the company enormously over the years.

"You always knew that, wherever it was in the world, if Colin was doing the job, it was going to be a job done well, properly and on time."

Trio stride out for JCB appeal

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:20:00 GMT

THREE JCB employees raised thousands of pounds for the NSPCC after taking part in the London Marathon.

Paul Hellowell, a technical services product specialist at the World Parts Centre in Uttoxeter; Peter Ellis, a quality manager at JCB Landpower in Cheadle; and Patrick Munro, a senior design engineer at the World HQ, Rocester; all took part.

Peter, of Nantwich, finished in 3hrs 28mins and has so far raised £1,650.

Paul, of Leek, crossed the line in 5hrs 29mins and has raised hundreds of pounds.

Patrick, aged 33, of Mickleover, who finished in 3hrs 8mins, is on target to raise more than £2,000.

JCB is part way through its £1 million Reaching Out to Children in Staffordshire appeal for the NSPCC.

Digger giant moves to have copies banned

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:20:00 GMT

DIGGER-MAKER JCB has forced three manufacturers to remove machines from a German trade show.

The Rocester business is accusing the firms of copying its products and infringing patents.

And it has been granted injunctions by the German courts which have resulted in the disputed products being removed and impounded or covered up.

The dispute escalated at the BAUMA international construction equipment show in Munich.

Tim Burnhope, JCB's group managing director of product development and commercial operations, said: "JCB will not tolerate blatant copying of its machines or infringement of internationally-recognised patents and in every instance will act quickly to stamp out such unfair practices.

"JCB invests many years and many millions of pounds developing and innovating new products and it's clearly unfair for any manufacturer to then simply free-ride on the results of that investment and research. "

The action concerned alleged infringement of JCB's intellectual rights on its backhoe loader and Loadall machines by three separate Far Eastern manufacturers.

JCB creates 200 jobs and pay rise for shopfloor staff

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:15:00 GMT

ALL 2,500 shopfloor workers at JCB will receive a pay rise this year as the digger giant announced it is also taking on up to 200 more staff.

GMB union members voted to accept a three per cent pay rise from July 1 this year.

That will be followed by pay reviews in January 2011, 2012 and 2013, which will be linked to inflation rates in the previous November.

As well as taking on workers, overtime is being re-introduced as the recession-hit manufacturer sees the first signs of economic recovery.

Alan Blake, JCB's chief executive officer, said: "We are pleased to return to the position of being able to offer pay rises to workers after a sustained period of uncertainty in world markets and are delighted GMB members have voted in favour of the JCB pay proposal.

"This is the longest pay deal ever to be agreed at JCB and demonstrates a responsible approach by everyone concerned."

The last time shopfloor workers at JCB were awarded a pay rise was in January 2008 as the recession began to take hold.

Since then, the firm has made about 1,800 job cuts in response to falling sales, as large-scale building projects ground to a halt and potential customers were unable to access credit.

Now some of those former employees will be taken back on as demand picks up, but directors at JCB warned the future is still uncertain.

Mr Blake said: "There has been a slight improvement in some markets which has led to some increased demand for JCB's products, and while we can't say at the moment if this situation will be sustained, we are pleased to be offering overtime and recruiting again."

The "vast majority" of the new jobs will be in Staffordshire, with most of those being at the company's World Headquarters in Rocester.

Other divisions to benefit will be heavy products in Uttoxeter, compact products in Cheadle, cab systems in Rugeley and power systems in Derby.

GMB works convener Gordon Richardson said: "GMB members across the JCB group have been through a torrid time over the past two years and it's welcome news the union has negotiated a pay rise.

"It is also pleasant to see former employees back working for the company as part of an on-going recruitment process."

Retired JCB worker Tony Moult, of Alton, said: "It is good news. I am still in touch with former colleagues and I would think they would be pleased.

"I understand they have more work coming in and it would seem to be a sign of recovery. There must be confidence in the future markets and that things will pick up."

Tributes paid to ex-JCB boss

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:20:00 GMT

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford has paid tribute to a former chief executive who has died aged 69.

Martin Coyne became the second group chief executive at Rocester-based JCB when he was promoted in 1992.

He first joined the company from car firm Ford in 1975 as purchasing director.

Six years later he became managing director of JCB Service before taking on the same role at JCB Hydrapower in Rugeley in 1989. He also held the position at JCB-SCM in Uttoxeter.

Sir Anthony said: "Martin made an enormous contribution to the success of JCB over many years and will be sadly missed. We extend our sympathy to his wife Maureen and children Charles and Sarah."

Mr Coyne, formerly of Uttoxeter and latterly of Sutton Coldfield retired in 1997. He died on Tuesday at The Priory Hospital in Birmingham.

JCB worker retires after 47 years: Page 18

Business backing swells parties' coffers

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:20:00 GMT

WEALTHY business leaders in North Staffordshire gave away more than £160,000 to political parties last year.

The latest figures released by the Electoral Commission show that Stoke City chairman Peter Coates, right, was the biggest contributor, donating a total of £105,000 to the Labour Party's coffers during 2009.

He made a single payment of £100,000 through his Hillside (New Media) Limited firm, based in Etruria, on June 30.

This was followed by a smaller donation of £5,000 from his online betting company, Bet365, on July 16.

The Labour Party received a total of £16.2 million in personal and corporate donations last year, compared to £32.5 million given to the Conservative Party.

Tory donors include the Bamford family which runs Rocester-based JCB.

Records show that JCB Research gave the party £50,000 on January 5 and a further £6,000 on February 24 last year.

Donations to the British National Party increased from just £2,500 in 2008 to £34,937 last year.

The figure would have been higher, but eight payments, totalling £10,395, were not permitted.

None of the BNP donors submitted their addresses.

Roger calls it a day after 47 years at JCB, man and boy

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:20:00 GMT

FISH and chips bought by the boss is one of Roger Bree's fond memories of a career spanning nearly five decades.

Roger was one of just a few hundred employees when he joined JCB at Rocester as a 16-year-old in 1963.

In those days, the man at the helm of the fledgling excavator company – then known locally as Joey's – was Joseph Cyril Bamford.

Roger and his workmates often worked overtime to complete orders on time and were rewarded by the JCB founder with a fish and chip supper and ice cream. On one occasion, they worked 48 hours around the clock to get a new machine out.

Roger has now retired as the manufacturing manager of JCB's Loadall Division after almost 47 years with the company.

During that time, he has seen the company grow into one of the world's top three manufacturers of construction equipment, employing around 7,000 people on four continents.

Roger, aged 63, said: "JCB was just starting to take off when I joined. I have watched it grow from nothing to a state-of-the-art company.

"I have been very lucky. I went to the old Mackenzie Secondary Modern at Cheadle and I did not have a fancy education and I was not very clever. But like many others here, I have got on very well and was given plenty of opportunities.

"Joe Bamford was a man with a lot of charisma. When he asked you to do something, you did it and always wanted to do a bit more. He was a good boss, not soft, and taught us all a lot.

"We used to work from 8am until 8pm. They were exciting times getting new machines out and we did not mind stopping over.

"I remember not going home for two days – you would not be allowed to do that these days."

Roger's first wage was £7 9s 9d (£7.48p); considered a lot in those days.

At Roger's retirement presentation, chief executive officer Alan Blake hailed Roger's generation as the "pioneers" of JCB.

Alan said: "We owe a debt of gratitude to people like Roger and his generation who have really helped build up JCB into the company it is today. Employees from his era were the pioneers of JCB and we thank Roger and everyone like him for what they have contributed."

Roger started his working life on a farm, but soon joined his father at JCB in the machine shop, where he learned manufacturing skills such as welding.

The Cheadle-born father-of-one also found time to help out on the family dairy farm at Wetley Rocks, which was run mainly by his wife Brenda for 27 years.

Roger, who joined the Loadall Division 12 years ago, added: "I have been all over the world with the company, buying machine tools and working in our factories overseas. I can honestly say I have enjoyed every moment of my time with JCB. There was never a morning when I did not want to get up and go to work."

Roger and his wife have sold their smallholding and moved to a bungalow in Cheadle. Roger is now looking forward to gardening and indulging his passion for field sports – and spending more time with his 12-year-old granddaughter, Megan.

JCB extends redundancy consultation

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:20:00 GMT

DIGGER giant JCB has extended consultation with workers at risk of redundancy so bosses can review the firm's order book.

A 90-day consultation on proposed cuts at Rocester was due to come to an end last week, but has now been extended to April 30.

The manufacturer announced proposals to axe 196 shopfloor positions in November.

Its World Headquarters in Rocester was earmarked for almost 150 of the cuts, with the balance at JCB Utility Products, Cheadle, and factories in Rugeley and Wrexham.

A shorter consultation period at Cheadle finished earlier this month, but JCB refused to reveal the final number of redundancies there.

A spokesman for JCB, which employs about 4,000 people in Staffordshire, said: "We can confirm the consultation period at the Rocester site will continue until April 30, so we can form a better view of the forward order book situation into the summer period.

"JCB aims to minimise the impact of redundancy by offering voluntary redundancy to employees, while being mindful of skills the company might need to retain to meet future customer requirements."

JCB's student pioneers have taste of life at new academy

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:20:00 GMT

THE first pupils to enrol at the £22 million JCB Academy have been shown what awaits them when they start their studies later this year.

More than 80 young people from Staffordshire and Derbyshire have attended a series of induction days.

In September, the 14-year-olds will be the first Year 10 students to start the industry-orientated curriculum at the historic Grade-II listed Tutbury Mill, close to JCB's World Headquarters at Rocester.

Ultimately, a maximum of 540 young people will attend the academy.

The first batch took part in a range of activities, including building a speaker for an MP3 player, during the induction days. They also listened to a talk before going on a tour of the building. Principal Jim Wade said: "We hope they went away excited and with plenty of food for thought, and now look forward to them arriving back for the start of term in September."

For the first two years, pupils will study for diplomas in engineering and business as well as GCSEs in core subject such as maths, English and sciences.

The sixth form will offer 25 advanced engineering and 25 advanced business diploma places.

Around 30 vacancies are left for this September's inaugural term and there will be an open day on February 13 for prospective students.

For more information, call Diane Ross on 01889 593166 or email diane.ross@jcbacademy.com

Digger-painter swaps spraying JCBs for skin

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:20:00 GMT

A FORMER JCB worker has swapped spraying diggers for body art after opening a tattoo studio.

After being made redundant from the digger giant a year ago, Kev Hanks retrained as a tattooist and opened the doors to Incredible Ink Tattoos in Milton last week.

The 23-year-old was introduced to the industry by brother Stefan Hanks, who has run Burslem-based New Image Tattoo Studio for six years.

"I've always gone along to my brother's studio to see how he does things," said the former Endon High School pupil.

"When I left school I went to college to study car spraying as that's where my interest was.

"I always liked art and drawing at school and so wanted to keep doing something like that.

"I worked at JCB in Uttoxeter, spraying the diggers, before being made redundant a year ago.

"In that time I watched and learned from my brother. You can't go to college to do a course in tattooing, it's really a self-taught thing."

And Kev found he had plenty of volunteers willing to let him practice his skills.

"People just offered to let me give them a tattoo when I was still learning.

"They all came out fine which was good. I also practised on myself and have done quite a few tattoos on my legs."

Helped by a loan from the Prince's Trust, Kev set up in his home village after being impressed by the location in Millrise Road.

He said: "It's ideal really as it's next to the traffic lights in Leek Road, and the sign is really eye-catching.

"I opened on Saturday and have had quite a few people coming in. It's been really good."

Kev admits the number of celebrities showing off tattoos has really helped the industry.

He said: "There is a large number of celebrities all with tattoos now, and there's the amount of footballers who have them too.

"With the World Cup coming up we are expecting to do a lot of England-related tattoos.

"When football teams do well more people get them. When Stoke got promoted lots of people wanted the badge."

Some of Kev's work can be spotted on display in the football league, with Burton Albion's Potteries-born defender Ryan Austin showing off a full arm's worth of tattoos from the Milton designer.

While Kev, who has tattoos on his arms, back, legs and chest, admits getting inked can be painful, he is ready to really test his threshold.

"I'm hoping to make my professional boxing debut next month," he said. "I've always been into boxing and train at Impact Boxing in Fenton.

"I will be in the lightweight category. This year could prove to be a really good one."

One of Kev's customers, Michael Vaughan, aged 30, from Blythe Bridge, admits he is delighted to see him open a studio.

"Kev did both my arm sleeves where I had a Japanese theme with samurais and geisha girls," said the boxing trainer.

"I'm chuffed for him, he's a really good tattoo artist.

"I may get some more work done, and I will be going to him."

Milton's business community has also welcomed Kev's arrival.

Steve Wright, owner of Motif Marketing in Millrise Road, said: "I wish him all the best.

"We do try and support fellow businesses in the village and I really hope he makes a success of it."

Digger giant offers help to disaster zone

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:43:23 GMT

JCB is donating £90,000 worth of diggers to help the disaster relief effort in Haiti after the devastating earthquake.

The gift of two backhoe loaders is being made by JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford in response to an appeal from relief agencies for foreign aid.

The machines are being made available to the U.S. Government in its leading role in tackling the aftermath of Tuesday's quake.

Sir Anthony said: "The scale of the devastation is unimaginable and it's heart-rending to see the human suffering caused.

"There is clearly a lack of equipment on the island and I hope our gift of JCB machines will help in some small way to alleviate that suffering and in the rebuilding in the aftermath of the earthquake."

The contribution is the latest by the Rocester manufacturer in providing assistance after natural disasters.

Six backhoe loaders were sent to Sichuan province in China after an earthquake in 2008 and JCB also donated machines worth more than £1 million to help in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami in 2004.

Diggers were deployed to Thailand, southern India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Last year, the company donated an excavator and a backhoe loader worth £150,000 to help the disaster relief effort in the city of Padang following the devastating earthquake that struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Haiti prime minister Jean-Max Bellerive said "a minimum" of 100,000 people may have died in the disaster.

Academy a strong pull

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:20:00 GMT

PLACES at the £22 million JCB Academy are being snapped up, even though the centre of learning does not open until September 2010.

Two-thirds of places available for 14-year-olds have been taken with just 40 remaining and recruitment is also under way to fill the 50 places at the academy's sixth form.

Jim Wade, JCB Academy principal, said: "I am delighted and heartened by the enthusiastic response we've had so far with 80 places taken.

"We are different from schools because we offer an industry standard in machinery, IT and software rather than an educational standard.

"This unique curriculum will give our pupils a significant advantage by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and aptitude demanded by today's employers."

Appeal won after assault

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:20:00 GMT

A MAN who charged across a pub floor to butt a former work colleague over an alleged gambling debt today has had his prison sentence slashed.

Victim Bryan Bull required extensive dental work after he was savagely attacked by Michael David Redfern in Hanley's Reflex bar last year.

The 33-year-old defendant, of Acton Street, Birches Head, was jailed for 26 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in September after a jury found him guilty of assault. But the sentence was reduced to 18 months at the Court of Appeal yesterday.

Mrs Justice Rafferty told the court how Redfern and Mr Bull, who had worked together at JCB in Rocester, had been at odds for some time.

But Redfern claimed he had been pushed into Mr Bull and that the injury was caused accidentally as they both fell.

Lawyers acting for Redfern argued the sentencing judge had assessed the offence as more serious than it was. And Mrs Justice Rafferty said: "There is force in the submission that two years and two months for these facts was not necessarily in the public interest."

Donation in pal's name

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:20:00 GMT

STAFF at JCB have raised £600 for the Midlands Air Ambulance in memory of a friend who died in a road accident.

Motorcyclist Borja Gimenez, aged 23, of Wootton, died at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in October following an accident at Ellastone, near Uttoxeter.

Following the death of Mr Gimenez, who worked at JCB Utility Products, in Cheadle, friends gathered at the Denstone Tavern pub for a wake. The £600 raised has now been handed to the air ambulance service.