Baljit Berwick

‘I joined PCS in January 2002 after completing my degree in Social Sciences. I was working for a bank before deciding that I needed to gain office experience to further my career. I didn’t know anything about Tribology. All I knew about PCS was that it was local and I was going to save time and money with a short commute! Little did I know that after 22 and half years I’d still be here!

When I started at PCS, there were only six of us, including the directors John and Clive. I started as an admin assistant and helped the office manager, Joanne, with various tasks. I helped prepare marketing brochures and material which we used to print in house using our trusty three printers called Bill, Ben and Weed!

One of the things I enjoyed about PCS was that everyone helped with all sorts of jobs. John and Clive were always available and got involved and I think that was the key to PCS’ success in retaining staff and keeping up morale. The atmosphere was relaxed but we all worked hard. We were a small team but most importantly, we wanted to do a good job for John, Clive and for the company they’d started.

Many people ask why I have stayed in a company for so long, especially a small company where there are limitations of moving up to senior roles. I always say that it’s loyalty to John, Clive, and the PCS family. I met my husband at PCS, and we’ve been together for 20 years and married for 16. We invited the whole company and their families to our wedding; there were only nine of us then!

I moved to Finance after having my son in 2012. This suited me and with John’s knowledge and patience, we worked to implement Sage in 2016. When I had my daughter in 2018, John recognised my dilemma of childcare and offered flexible working and work from home days. John supported me in developing my finance career so that I had the qualifications to back up my experience.

I had the privilege of working with John on the finance side until 2022 when John and Clive decided to take a step back. They certainly deserve a well-earned break. We’ve had many good times from Christmas parties to birthday celebrations. It’s been an honour to have known John, Clive and their families for all these years makes me realise how lucky I am to be a part of PCS’ legacy.

We’re confident that this will continue with our CEO, Steven Horder, who has shown himself to be as committed as we all are and continues what John and Clive started. He’s proven to be hands-on when I found him counting stock for our annual stock take! We believe that the company’s ethos of honesty, integrity and that all are supported in their careers as well as personally, and most importantly that they’re all appreciated for their roles, will continue for years to come.’