Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence: Viv’s Journey

We’ve recently celebrated an incredible milestone! Viv, our longest-serving colleague and a valued member of our administration team, reached 50 years with JW Hinks.

This is an incredible achievement. It reflects not only Viv’s dedication, but also the strong relationships and shared values that have shaped our firm throughout its history.

Viv has always been much more than a colleague. Known across the office for her warmth, humour, and endless stories, she has played a huge part in creating the friendly, welcoming environment that so many people associate with the firm.

Having worked alongside generations of colleagues, Viv has seen significant changes across the profession while remaining a familiar and friendly face to countless clients and team members alike.

As she marks her Golden Jubilee with us, we sat down with Viv to look back on her journey since 1976, the moments that have shaped her career, and why JW Hinks has remained a place where people choose to build long and meaningful careers.

What first brought you to JW Hinks five decades ago?

“We were relocating from Kidderminster to Halesowen, and I spotted an advert in the Birmingham Evening Mail for a comptometer operator at JW Hinks’ Smethwick office.

Before I had chance to apply, my employer, Naylor Carpets, went into receivership. I contacted Mr Deryck Jones at JW Hinks and, although the original vacancy had been filled, another opportunity became available almost immediately.

Following an interview in March 1976, I joined the firm that July after completing my redundancy period – and I’ve been here ever since.”

How has the industry changed since you started?

“The biggest changes are that there were no budgets and certainly no computers. They are the two main changes.

Now we live in a world of computers and life is very different at work. Back when I started, we would never have been encouraged to work remotely, but through the pandemic everything changed, and flexible working became the norm.”

What made your time at JW Hinks so fulfilling over the years?

“Time has just gone by!

I learned a lot from working alongside my colleagues. For most jobs you went out of the office with a senior, junior, and a comptometer operator – but I gradually took on lots of analysis work, as well as doing most things a junior would have done, so I was able to effectively learn accounts “on the job”.

I was happy doing what I was doing, and I always had a good social time with my work colleagues. The team around me and the atmosphere made it a great place to be.”

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

“I’d like to say Neal Aston. Neal has always helped to give me the confidence I feel I lacked and has always been there for me. Thank you, Neal.”

What makes JW Hinks a special place to work?

“Well, it’s special because it’s always been what I would describe as a family company.

When I started, it was one thing I noticed: that your work family was as important as your personal family, and that still is important to all the partners today.”

Do you have a favourite memory or milestone from your time here?

“I have lots of memories, some I could not tell you… but I think one of the best parts has been watching young lads and girls grow up into the men and women they are today.

Neal and Carol Aston, Dave and Tricia Rushworth, Robin and Suzanne Barnes, Dan and Claire Morgan and Peter and Jennifer Smith, who I have seen get married, have children, and now have grandchildren!

I would not have believed it all those years ago, so they are special memories.

I also have lots of memories with colleagues who are no longer with us, all of whom I admired and will never forget.”

What’s one thing that hasn’t changed in 50 years?

“Well, that’s an easy answer: me and my talking!

I like to think that I’m the same person who started 50 years ago.”

If you could leave one piece of advice for future generations of employees, what would it be?

“Not letting JW Hinks change from being that family company, where everyone is thought of as a person who matters.

It’s a wonderful and happy company to work for, and long may it continue.”

Finally, how would you describe JW Hinks in three words?

“The only three I can think of are… FAB. U. LOUS.”

Inspired by Viv’s story?

At JW Hinks, we’re proud of the people who make our firm what it is. If you’re looking for a career where you can grow, be supported and feel part of the team, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about careers at JW Hinks.