On Friday 11th April, Jenks & Cattell Engineering held its first-ever ‘Celebration of Achievement’ event — and what a day it was to mark the occasion. Set against the backdrop of the hottest day of the year so far, the company’s car park was full of appreciation, laughter, and pride for the incredible people who make Jenks & Cattell what it is today.
As a gesture of gratitude, the entire team was gifted a 90-minute break to soak up the sunshine and the celebration. With an ice cream van, pizza truck, and drinks flowing freely, spirits were high and smiles were everywhere. But the highlight of the afternoon? A very special guest – Steve Bull MBE, Wolverhampton’s footballing legend and national treasure.
A Wolverhampton Icon Meets a Wolverhampton Institution
Steve “Bully” Bull, who famously scored 306 goals in 561 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers and earned 13 caps for England, left a lasting impression on the team — especially our many loyal Wolves fans. His presence resonated even deeper, as both Steve Bull and Jenks & Cattell Engineering share strong roots in Wolverhampton, a city proud of its rich industrial and sporting heritage.
In fact, both Wolves and Jenks & Cattell have been part of the city’s fabric since the 1800s, growing up together and standing the test of time. It felt only fitting that Bully was the one to present this year’s Long Service Awards, honouring an incredible 41 team members for their commitment and service.
Celebrating Long Service & Team Excellence
The awards recognised:
- 21 team members for 5+ years of service
- 15 team members for 10+ years
- 5 team members for 20+ years
Each recipient was presented with a bronze, silver, or gold service pin badge and a certificate by Craig Jeavons, Technical Director, and Steve Bull himself.
Among the highlights was the recognition of Steve Reade, who first joined Jenks & Cattell in April 1996. Now preparing to retire at the end of this month, Steve’s nearly 30 years of service were celebrated with laughter and heartfelt stories, from Craig Jeavons — who has over 32 years under his belt. Though Craig had ambitiously prepared a “quick” five-minute tribute, it quickly turned into a well-deserved spotlight on Steve’s legendary character and contributions. Steve Bull closed the tribute by presenting Steve with his gold pin badge, certificate, and a £300 gift from the company.
Milestone Moments: IATF 16949 Accreditation
Another key highlight of the day was the celebration of Jenks & Cattell Engineering’s achievement of the IATF 16949 accreditation in December 2024 — a vital certification in the automotive manufacturing industry.
Wayne Flanagan, Head of Quality, took to the stage to share what the accreditation means to the business: improved processes, expanded opportunity, and recognition across multiple sectors. Wayne praised the exceptional investment and teamwork that led to the accreditation being secured in record time, with special thanks to Tracy Richards, Compliance Manager. He proudly noted that just weeks later, the company landed a major order from a partner who required IATF certification from their supply chain.
A Voice of Celebration
The event was hosted by Garry Evans, General Manager, who opened the day with energy and positivity, setting the tone for an unforgettable afternoon of recognition and celebration.
From our legendary visitors to our everyday legends, our ‘Celebration of Achievement’ was more than a party — it was a reflection of the dedication, excellence, and community that define Jenks & Cattell Engineering.
A huge thank you also goes to Eleanor Imray, whose planning and execution made the entire event a resounding success – turning a sunny Friday into a truly unforgettable celebration. To every award winner, team member, and organiser — thank you for making our first celebration so special. Here’s to many more milestone moments to come.
