A family owned Hampshire firm is celebrating the loyalty of its workforce in its 107th year, with 107 of its 259 UK and Ireland employees having been with the company for at least a decade.
Draper Tools, the leading tool distributor with sites in Chandlers Ford and North Baddesley, has 58 colleagues with between 10 and 24 years' service, 41 with between 25 and 39 years, and eight who have been part of the team for more than four decades. Nearly one in five employees has worked for the business for a quarter of a century or longer. Between them, its long-serving colleagues account for well over 1,900 years of service.
The leading tool distributor, founded in 1919 and famously the sponsor of iconic 80s and 90s Saints kits, usually marks work anniversaries with an individual presentation.
READ MORE: Steakhouse becomes third Southampton restaurant awarded 2 AA Rosettes
But, this time, the long service milestones were marked with a celebratory photoshoot. The resulting portraits will be displayed around the headquarters and shared online throughout October.
Co chair Tom Draper said: "It feels very special to have so many long serving colleagues and we want to say a huge thank you to them.
"Their passion and expertise have helped shape the company into what it is today, and we’re all very proud of this milestone. It really is a testament to the supportive, friendly and nurturing culture we’ve built together.
“We're still growing, and more than 100 people have joined us in the last five years alone. We're always keen to hear from talented local people looking for somewhere to build a career. Hopefully some of them will be celebrating their own milestones here one day."
Founded in 1919 by Bert Draper, Draper Tools is run by the fourth generation of the Draper family. Recent investments include a state-of-the-art warehouse, a large-scale solar panel installation, and the acquisition of specialist trade brands Van Vault and Defender.
Draper's office team remains at Chandler's Ford, while all warehousing now operates from North Baddesley. The vacant logistics space at Chandler's Ford now houses Draper Self Storage, which opened in 2024. The space will also soon be home to a six-court indoor padel centre operated by Padel Stars.
Trader
Who goes above and beyond? There are so many traders in our corner of Hampshire who are providing their customers with the best possible service. At the Daily Echo, we are starting up a new feature where we will highlight one exceptional trader per week who goes the extra mile for their customers. To have your shop, hairdresser, restaurant or business featured, fill in the details below.
Share