Pictured: June Purcell
Partners and staff at Edgbaston-based chartered accountants JW
Hinks have said an emotional goodbye to a long-serving employee who
has retired after 42 years with the firm.
June Purcell, who joined the practice in 1970, left for the last
time on December 23.
She said: "I'm extremely sad to be leaving such a remarkable
firm which will continue to have a very big place in my heart.
"I have seen so many developments at the firm over the years,
working with more than 15 partners.
"It's been incredible to see the firm grow into one of the
leading accountancy practices in the region and I am pleased to
have been a part of its success.
"I have made many friends throughout my time here and will miss
them very much."
June's first role at JW Hinks was as a Comptometer operator -
working a primitive key-driven mechanical calculator which was a
predecessor to the modern day electronic calculator and
computer.
In 1979 she became the second operator of a new accounting
machine which at the time only produced draft accounts which still
had to be typed up.
In 1986 June worked on the development of computer formatted
accounts on a new Compaq computer, which could produce accounts
direct from the computer instead of being typed.
This went on until 1990, when she had more instruction and more
up-to-date computers.
Over the years June has built up relationships with thousands of
clients, some of whom have been working with the firm for
decades.
Her plans for retirement include researching her family history,
painting, photography, gardening and cooking.
Managing Partner Paul Jones paid tribute to June's hard-work and
dedication.
"We're all going to miss June who has been an almost permanent
fixture in the office for more than 40 years," he said.
"June is 'Mrs JW Hinks' and is well known to nearly all our
clients. She embodies all the qualities of the firm - hard-work,
dedication, professionalism and expertise.
"We're pleased that she can finally put her feet up and we wish
her well in her retirement."