Soyang Europe, the leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media and surface coverings and – through its sister company Soyang Hardware – a supplier of leading edge wide- and superwide-format print production hardware solutions, is paying tribute to three valued members of senior staff as they prepare to retire.
Procurement Director Bryn Aspinall, Sales Director Andrew Simmons and Jill Maude from the Accounts department are all retiring.
Bryn Aspinall is the longest serving of the trio and has retired recently, having worked at Soyang for 19 years. Bryn joined the company just six months after its conception as a Sales Representative, working his way up the ranks to become Procurement Director.
“After being very fortunate and being in continuous employment for almost 50 years, it is now time for some ‘me time’,” Bryn said. “I am looking forward to spending more quality time with my four granddaughters and wife of 44 years. We’ve got lots of holidays planned, along with plenty of visits to TK Maxx!”
Soyang Europe Group Managing Director Mark Mashiter added: “While Bryn has been instrumental in the growth of the business, he will also be sadly missed for his excellent wit, poor dad jokes and the amusement he brings to the office, even on the toughest days. I couldn’t ask for a better right-hand-man and shareholder.”
Andrew Simmons will retire in January 2025 after spending 12 years at Soyang. During this time, he has helped the company go from strength to strength, working with Mark and the rest of the Soyang management team to grow the business to the size it is today.
Andrew said he will initially spend more time helping care for his mother, who sadly has Parkinson’s disease. He is also planning to read and exercise more, as well as learn Spanish ready for when his wife, Kerry, also retires.
“The plans are to spend more time, particularly during the winter, at our apartment in Torrevieja in southern Spain,” Andrew said. “I also intend to get on the golf course more often with the challenge of getting my handicap down to single figures. I’m currently 10.6, so hopefully it is achievable!”
Paying tribute, Mark said: “Andrew has been a tenacious Sales Director, striving to be the best in our category. He is respected by colleagues and customers alike, while his enthusiasm for the brand and knowledge about materials has given customers tremendous trust. A first-class wing man and shareholder, he’s also attributed to most of the hangovers in the business!”
Finally, Jill Maude will leave Soyang later this month after nine-and-a-half years. She was previously the company’s relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, helping with the purchase of its warehouse facility, before joining Soyang to take on a role within its Accounts department.
Jill plans to split her time between Saddleworth, located close to Soyang Europe’s Altham base in the UK, and the Spanish town of Mijas on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
“We’ll be spending lots of time travelling between the two,” Jill said. “I am looking forward to joining the local tennis and paddle club, as well as spending more time with family and friends.”
Mark added: “Jill is truly a shining light with the best attitude and brings a smile every day. She will be sorely missed for her incredible attitude and dedication to the business.
“Everyone at Soyang sends their very best wishes to Bryn, Andrew and Jill in their well-earned retirements!”
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