Darren Bailey celebrates 30 years of service with Hancocks

Darren Bailey, store manager of Hancocks in Portsmouth, is celebrating 30 years of service with the confectionery wholesaler.

Bailey (pictured) started working at Hancocks as a team member in Loughborough when he was 22 years old and he worked his way up to his current role of store manager.

He credits his long service to his enjoyment of working with sweets – his favourites are Watermelon Slices and Toffee Crumble – and his love for getting to know customers and seeing them grow up with the company over the years.

He commented: “It’s a privilege to do a job that I am passionate about and that’s why reaching this milestone means a lot to me. Hancocks is definitely a company that values its staff and I’ve collected many wonderful memories working there over the years.

“Reflecting back on my career, some of my favourite moments are being surprised with a helicopter flight for my 40th birthday, receiving baby gifts from everyone when my first child was born, and going for rides around the area in a Creme Egg car.”

Chief operating officer Jonathan Summerley said: “Marking 30 years of service is a big achievement and we’re very grateful for Darren’s commitment and excellent efforts. Darren is a role model and a great leader to his team in Portsmouth.

He added: “We do everything we can at Hancocks to support and encourage our members of staff to follow his footsteps and reach these big milestones.”

Hancocks was set up in the Midlands in 1962 and celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. It now has 14 depots across the UK, including Portsmouth which opened in 1989.