The Lake District’s most successful self-catering cottage company, Heart of the Lakes, has celebrated the birthday – and service – of one of its longest standing employees. Michael Davidson, known to all as ‘Paddy’, recently celebrated his 80th birthday, having been an employee for 23 years. Starting with the company in 1993, Paddy has, together with the rest of the team, been instrumental in building the reputable company to become one of the county’s most well respected family businesses. The firm, which can trace its history back to 1975 when it had just one property on its books, now manages and lets more than 300 properties, all within the boundaries of the national park.
Ambleside born and bred, Paddy started work with Heart of the Lakes at Rydal Holme, assisting with maintenance and vehicle service. These days, he can be found mainly in the laundry room, although as he explains, he likes to do ‘a bit of everything’!
“I love working at Heart of the Lakes. It’s a great working environment and the management are very good to me. Although I only officially work two days per week, I often pop in when I shouldn’t be here as I like the company and it’s important to keep busy whilst I still can!” he says. “The team presented me with an 80th birthday cake and balloons on the day, which was lovely.”
Heart of the Lakes is renowned for its long standing employees, with partner Chris Jackson due to celebrate his 27th year with the firm this year and employees Dot Ingall and Lynn Logan serving 18 and 20 years respectively.
“We have a considerable number of long standing employees at Heart of the Lakes and are very pleased that they all stay.” says owner, Sue Jackson. “We are delighted to be able to celebrate Paddy’s 80th birthday with him – an impressive milestone – and thank him for his continued efforts and contribution. The company wouldn’t be what it is without our employees.”