Worker clocks up 50 years' service at South Shields car dealership

Allan Etherington, from South Shields, started working in the parts department at the Newcastle Road dealership, formerly known as Selwoods, after leaving school in 1966 – and it is the only job he has had.

Allan, who works as a parts advisor at the South Shields dealership, said: “I’ve always enjoyed everything about my job and I get on with my work colleagues who, over the years, have become good friends, so there’s been no reason for me to find alternative employment. I have worked with some of my colleagues for more than three decades.

“We have a good team at South Shields and a good manager within the parts department. If you’re happy in your job, why change it.”

In his role as a parts advisor, Allan is responsible for liaising with existing and potential customers, processing orders and meeting deadlines, in addition to also spending time out and about on the region’s roads delivering parts to customers.

He added; “When I first started working in the parts department everything was done manually, but nowadays everything is all computerised. Today’s advanced technology, enables us to order and process items quickly and provide a much more efficient service to our customers, which is constantly improving, in addition to being able to utilise our time more effectively.”

Group parts manager, Kevin Gibbon, presented Allan with loyalty vouchers.

Kevin said; “I would like to congratulate Allan for achieving such a milestone. It was an absolute pleasure presenting the vouchers for his continuous loyalty.”