A LONG-SERVING employee of an electronics firm who initially joined as a Christmas temp has been given a top job after nearly two decades at the company.

Jack Phelps first walked through the doors of Hughes Electrical, in Colchester, 17 years ago and has since held positions such as manager at three different stores.

The retail expert has also previously been responsible for the integration of the Rayleigh branch into the company after its acquisition.

Mr Phelps has now been promoted from area manager to director of retail and will oversee the retail division, which has stores across seven counties in England.

Gazette:

Mr Phelps said: “I am thrilled and could have never dreamed when I started as a temp that I would end up as a company director.

“It has been a very challenging two years for the company as we have had to respond to the pandemic which has changed the ways customers choose to buy goods.

“As a company we have four strong legs to our business; internet, trade, rental and retail and we will continue to invest in all of them.

“My challenge now is to make sure Hughes continues to lead the market in offering our customers the best experience when they visit our stores.”