JULIE’S NEW BEGINNINGS
One of AFG’s longest serving employees has left the building for the final time on Wednesday 22 March 2023. Adamant she is not retiring, Julie is simply giving up paid work!
Having spent a total of 43 years working for the business in Bolton, Julie has decided it’s time to celebrate new beginnings and enjoy having time to travel more and spend time with her family.
Julie first joined the company in 1976 as a secretary in the property department. She worked for 28 years before having a four-year break then returning in 2004 for a further 15 years.
During that time Julie has always worked in conveyancing and later in the private client department. In addition to secretarial work, she also trains our new starters and ensures they understand the level of professionalism required from AFG.
Julie remembers now Managing Director Anita Boardman joining the firm as a young girl and also Property Director Carl Fletcher coming for his first interview at the firm! Both have worked closely with Julie over the years.
Anita says, “Julie has been an integral part of AFG LAW since any of us can remember. Her willingness to always go the extra mile and professional approach ensures that all the team members who she has trained have AFG’s values instilled in them from the start. Personally, I will miss being greeted daily with Julie’s huge smile and positive attitude but on behalf of the Directors’ thank her for so many years of dedicated service.”
When asked what it takes to stay with a company for so long Julie has no hesitation when she replied, “I’ve always loved what I do and I love AFG. I wouldn’t have lasted as long if I didn’t! The directors have always encouraged us to be the best we can be at whatever role we have taken and helped us to do this. I have always been proud to work for the best firm of solicitors in Bolton. I have worked with the best and learned from the best.”
Julie is still in touch with a former 91-year-old colleague who taught her the ropes as a youngster. She is passionate about the relationships and friendships formed during her time at AFG and absolutely loves passing on her knowledge to new starters.
Carl Fletcher adds, “Julie has been a force to be reckoned with at AFG LAW. She will be missed by everyone in the property department but her legacy will remain. We see Julie’s meticulous attention to detail shining through from the new starters she has worked with over the years. I’d like to wish Julie a long and happy next chapter and look forward to hearing about her new adventures.”
Recalling when she first joined AFG LAW and working on a manual typewriter, she fully embraces the technology and systems we have in place now. The one thing she tells every new starter is that they will love it at AFG if they involve themselves with the company and all the things that are going on.
Julie has personally had some sad and difficult times and also some very happy times over the last 47 years. The directors have always been accommodating, flexible and understanding and colleagues have been supportive, helpful and empathised with her throughout. She says this made the difficult times easier to bear and the happier times even more special.
She will be sad to go but is looking forward to celebrating her vacation of the premises with 30 colleagues for a meal and farewell at Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant.
We asked Julie to say a few words at her meal and you can watch that video HERE
