James Bollard started his career as a labourer at 18 years old where he resurfaced roads around London in Neasden, Hatfield, St Albans and Harpenden eventually restoring power supplies for street lights and in a power cut, reports Rana Rastegari

James Bollard (left), Credit: UK Power Networks

A Walthamstow local has marked an incredible 40 years of helping to keep the lights on in London.

James Bollard, also known as ‘Jimmy’, started his career in 1984 and for the past decade he has transported electricity generators for UK Power Networks from the firm’s Bidder Street office in Canning Town.

Hailing from Walthamstow, the 57-year-old started his career as a labourer at 18-years-old where he resurfaced roads around London in Neasden, Hatfield, St Albans and Harpenden eventually restoring power supplies for street lights and in a power cut.

Jimmy said: “I have stayed at UK Power Networks because I enjoy my work, every day is different. I have great colleagues who I work with. Both the company and my colleagues have supported me throughout the years, which I appreciate, it really helped.”

Jamie Dyckhoff, field staff supervisor and Jimmy’s line manager said: “Jim is a pleasure to manage, he is very conscientious and always willing to go the extra mile when required. He is the person within the team who the other team members go to when they have issues and will always take the time to help them resolve the problems.

“Jim would be really hard to replace if we did not have him in the team so I would like to thank him for his hard work and congratulate him on 40 years of service to the company.”

Jimmy is one of 37 members of staff to join the company’s 342-member ‘40+ Club’ recognising long service, which currently has colleagues celebrating between 40 and 61 years of service.

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: “As an organisation that strives to be an employer of choice, we are delighted that many of our employees stay with us for their whole career. More than 300 employees have completed 40 or more years of continuous service, and it is a pleasure to annually recognise their contribution to the electricity industry.”

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