Jephsons Shopfitters are very proudly celebrating their golden anniversary – 50 years trading.
The company started life with Barry Jephson manufacturing and installing windows, doors, frames for the domestic market whilst being based in a shed at the bottom of his garden in Mansfield Woodhouse.
Throughout the 60’s the company built many prestigious properties in the local area. In the 70’s in became apparent commercial shopfitting was emerging as the core business.
Founders Barry and Kath Jephson combined their skills. Barry drove from his technical and practical knowledge while Kath ran the financial side, giving the final approval to most of the tenders.
Managing to stay ahead of the competition by having the foresight and vision to merge the manufacturing, workshops and head office to a purpose-built site on Maun way, Mansfield, in 1988. Giving the team greater capacity, efficiency and functional space it operates from still today.
Jephsons Then and now.
Fast forward 50 years, and what you will find is a company big enough to get it right and small enough to care!
Finding their niche in the fast-food industry have built long-standing alliances with industry leaders such as Costa Coffee and KFC.
In a fast-moving industry and sector under pressure from the economic impact caused by Covid19, they make 50 years of trading look easy. Still, it’s been quite the journey to build and sustain a company that customers and staff can rely upon—built upon solid foundations by hands-on leaders Barry and Kath Jephsons.
Sales and Marketing director Wayne Stringfellow reflects on Jephsons early days: ‘you would be working with Barry, not for Barry. As a company, they allowed you to learn and develop yourself. Their confidence in staff members built stability, learning opportunities, and open communication to all team members.
From day one, the company was and still is – system led with structures for everyone to understand’.
When the time came for Barry and Kath to hand over the reins to the company, their son Ian and management team member Nigel proved to be the safest hands to not only takeover but take the company to the next level. The duo expanded their portfolio of clients and extended the services to become the one-stop-shop for fast-food shopfitting services from complete fit-outs to refurbishments.
The partnership provided the team with clear management lines, control and consistency for staff and customers, with Ian directing operations and Nigel directing sales. For over 20 years, Ian and Nigel created opportunities for apprenticeships and promotions, funded and supported several community initiatives, and secured a nationwide reputation for being the shopfitters of choice.
Ian Jephsons shared his thoughts on how Jephsons Shopfitters have stood the test of time and continue to grow in 2021. ‘3 words sum up the core values embedded into the company from the founders and passionately followed today: Loyalty, commitment and stability!
This works both ways from customers and team members. Clients like the stability and trust we will deliver the same people to deal with their project in a way they expect from Jephsons’.
‘Our anniversary celebration isn’t just about the success of Jephsons over the last 50 years. It’s a celebration of the trust-based relationship we’ve built with customers, dedicated staff, and the communities we serve.
We care about our customers – we’ve always been in it for the long haul.
During times when margins are being squeezed, construction and labour costs are unpredictable – It’s Jephsons determination to achieve a good quality job on every project along with understanding clients and their brand is that drives them apart from the competition and gives them the skills to adapt with the times, learn from mistakes and not just be about price.
Giving back to our community.
The company put giving back to the community high on their agenda from inception. Their involvements include donating materials to create a Santa’ssleigh for the local rotary club to sponsoring the towns Christmas lights and many other worthy charities. In recent years, Ian Jephson has played a vital role as a trustee for a local school academy to provide leadership, governance, and strategic direction and inspire the next generation to understand how the curriculum will secure their future jobs.
More to celebrate than an anniversary.
The 50th anniversary isn’t the only milestone Jephsons are celebrating. Earlier this year, employees were given the opportunity to own the company by taking an Employee Ownership Trust – giving Jephson employees a controlling stake in the company. The process has been carefully planned, considered and proved to be the best legacy plan for the staff and clients. The EOT has given the business the tools for a thriving future.
By securing the company’s legacy, Jephsons can continue to provide stability it deserves for all and offers the ability to keep flourishing as a dynamic, forward-thinking company with a bright future. The process was done with everyone in mind, and everyone had the same view of where they wanted to be.
The new management team comprises of existing team members bringing together a mixture of experience and strategy leading the company.
Wayne Stringfellow comments on behalf of the new management team: ‘As the new owners, we are taking on a thriving company with sound systems already in place it’s our role now to continue with our growth plan and open ourselves up to new markets and stay loyal to the Jephsons brand, core values and purpose we’ve all helped create over the last 50 years. Our Priorities remain with raising employees skills and abilities, investing in apprenticeships and developments to enhance the company.
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