A FAMILY-run building firm in Otley is celebrating 60 years in business.
Basil Houldsworth & Sons, Joiners & Builders, was started in 1962 by its namesake in a small rented workshop off Pool Road.
The fledgling business had just a bag of hand tools for equipment and a motorbike and sidecar for transport but it has prospered and grown over the intervening 60 years. The company’s workforce and fleet of vans now operate from a much larger site off Leeds Road.
Pictured are John Bibby, the first apprentice who started at the firm from leaving school in 1964 and is now self-employed and still working, Richard Houldsworth, the son of Basil Houldsworth the founder and Jack Geen, the most recent apprentice who attends Leeds College of Building on day release.
Richard said: “We have continued with my Father’s commitment in employing apprentices, teaching and passing on the tradesman’s skills.
“Over the years we must have had over 50 who have successfully completed their training, many of which are working and trading locally with success.
“I believe that investing in young people has contributed to our continued success.
“As Bas used to say, 'employ a teenager whilst they still know everything!'”
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