A STOURBRIDGE fire protection and detection specialist firm has recognised and rewarded employees for decades of commitment to the company at an awards ceremony.

Staff who have worked for Argus Fire for more than 25 years were celebrated at the company’s first long service ceremony.

Chairman Herb Bate presented awards to both managing director Matt Lincoln and administrator Rachel Eardley at its headquarters in New Road.

Herb, who founded Argus Fire in 1982, said: “I’m delighted to present these awards to Matt and Rachel, both of whom have worked extremely hard in the business for many years. At Argus Fire we believe in recognising outstanding achievement in our team.”

Rachel and Matt, the first and second-longest serving employees respectively, were both presented with a wrist watch for their 25 years of loyalty and commitment to the company, which employs 116 people and turned over more than £19 million in the past financial year.

Rachel said: “I’ve worked at Argus Fire almost from its beginning and have seen the company grow to be one of the larger employers in Stourbridge.

“It still has the same family feel to it and these awards reflect the caring attitude of Argus Fire as an employer.”

Matt added: “Argus Fire work hard to ensure that we not only deliver the best levels of service to our clients but also reward the people that enable us to do so.

“The award means a great deal to me, particularly in a period of continued success for Argus Fire.”

The firm has also recently announced Damian McClay as being appointed its new service coordinator.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the fire protection industry, Damian has returned to the company he served for nine years until 2006 as an estimator and later proposals manager.

Based at the Stourbridge offices, he will provide a service to customers booking installations, and arranging sales and service calls and maintenance visits, while also managing Argus Fire’s fleet of mobile workshops as well as providing administrative support to the company.

Richard Allen, board director, said: “We are delighted to welcome back Damian as our company continues to move from strength to strength.

“His wide and extensive experience will enable us to maintain and build upon our excellent reputation for outstanding customer service.”