A LONG-serving staff member at Ipswich construction company ISG Jackson is to retire at the end of this month after 46 years’ continuous employment with the business.

Barry Chambers joined the company’s forerunner, FJ Construction, as a clerk in 1964 – just a year after the business was set up by founder Frank Jackson.

Mr Chambers studied for a range of City & Guilds, ONC and HNC qualifications on his way to becoming a surveyor and then latterly a buyer. He is currently the longest-serving employee at the firm, which has more than 40 people with more than 10 year’s service, including managing director Bernard Clarke who has been there for 37 years.

Mr Chambers said: “The company is committed to supporting staff development and helping individuals achieve their true potential, and there is a great team spirit that I can trace all the way back to FJ Construction.”

Wishing Mr Chambers well for his retirement, Mr Clarke said: “Barry has been an outstanding asset to the business over his long career with us and is an excellent example of what can be achieved with hard work and the determination to succeed.”