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Commercial director Tim Cook has hung up his hard hat after half a century in the steel industry – including 38 years at REIDsteel. He bid a fond farewell to the Christchurch-based company after playing a major role in shaping the business’ growth, success and development as the powerhouse it has become today. Tim and fellow long-serving retirees, company accountant John Sinkinson and structural engineer Peter Mrosinski, celebrated their retirements with colleagues and family at a party at the Captain’s Club in Christchurch. Tim said: “I’m very proud to have been part of the success at REIDsteel, especially as commercial director over the past 12 years. “I have enjoyed great relationships with clients and contacts worldwide, and have been lucky to have had the opportunity to visit interesting places, including Africa and the Caribbean, and to do things I would never have done elsewhere. “The ambition of REIDsteel and the tenacity of its team to work in some of the most challenging countries have seen award winning success, including the Queen’s Award for export/international trade four times, as well as numerous other accolades for engineering excellence over the years.” Tim, who is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Export and past Wessex Branch chairman, said: “I have really enjoyed being part of a business that trades internationally and exports the best of British engineering worldwide. “There have been many changes in the industry, especially improved health and safety, and the development of technology which has allowed for the design, detailing and fabrication of structures which would have been previously impossible. “I am of the firm belief that business is about people and relationships, especially the export market where trust is so important. “Building relationships with people while embracing the latest technological developments is an excellent formula for success.” Tim, aged 67 and married to Wendy with three adult children and one granddaughter, added: “My thanks go to everybody I have worked with, the great team at REIDsteel, the supplier network, our loyal customers, and everybody out there who has helped me over the years. I wish them all the very best for the future.” Tim left school in 1975 as a 16 year old and took a four-year engineering apprenticeship in Southampton, qualified as a draughtsman and became a drawing office manager in Somerset before joining REIDsteel as contracts manager in July 1988 and became commercial director in 2014 . The majority of his 51 years’ working life has been spent at REIDsteel. Tim, who lived in the New Forest for many years before moving back to his hometown of Totton, is looking forward to spending more time with family and exploring Europe in a new campervan with Wendy. Simon Boyd OBE, REIDsteel managing director, said: “Tim has made an immeasurable contribution to the success of the company and the structural steel sector over five decades. “He has left a lasting impression on all those colleagues, customers and suppliers who have had the privilege to know him, with his professionalism, commitment, integrity and insight. “Along with Tim, John Sinkinson and Peter Mrosinski have been indispensable to the company over the past 30 plus years and have played a key role in supporting the next generation coming through. “On behalf of REIDsteel, I thank them for their exceptional service and wish them all very long, enjoyable and fulfilling retirements.” REIDsteel, with 130 staff, designs, manufactures, supplies and, where required, builds steel structures of all kinds across the UK and the world – including all primary and secondary steel, cladding, doors and glazing. Founded in 1919, it has exported to more than 140 countries and was the first contractor to sign the UK Steel Charter with UK Steel in support of British manufacturing. It is a founding member of the Jobs Foundation’s business council and Simon Boyd is a trustee of the foundation, a charity that champions business as a force for good. REIDsteel is also a platinum business partner of Dorset Chamber where Simon is vice-president.