Hancocks celebrates Portsmouth manager’s 30 years of service

Confectionery wholesaler Hancocks is celebrating a long-standing member of staff’s hard work and dedication.

Darren Bailey, store manager of the Portsmouth depot on Claybank Road, has clocked three decades of service after joining Hancocks as a team member in Loughborough when he was just 22 years old.

The depot has been in the city for 33 years and supplies sweets to independent retailers, online confectionery businesses and leisure outlets across the city.

Some of their biggest customers include Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World, Lapland UK in Ascot and Portsmouth’s popular Gilberts Sweets Shop.

Bailey credits his long service to his enjoyment of working with sweets and his love for getting to know the customers, their lives and seeing them grow up with the company over the years.

Being surrounded by delicious treats is another perk of the job and his favourites from the wide selection of sweets at Hancocks are Watermelon Slices and Toffee Crumble.

“It’s a privilege to do a job that I love and am passionate about and that’s why reaching this milestone means a lot to me,” Bailey said.

“Hancocks is definitely a company that values its staff and I’ve collected many wonderful memories working there over the years.

“Reflecting back on my career, some of my favourite moments are being surprised with a helicopter flight for my 40th birthday, receiving baby gifts from everyone when my first child was born and going for rides around the area in a Creme Egg car.”

Hancocks was set up in the Midlands in 1962 and celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.

The company now has 14 depots across the UK, an e-commerce site and the option for customers to click and collect.

The Portsmouth depot opened in 1989 and was the 11th store to open for the Hancocks branch.

Jonathan Summerley, Hancocks’ chief operating officer, said: “Marking 30 years of service is a big achievement and we’re very grateful for Darren’s commitment and excellent efforts.

“Darren is a role model and a great leader to his team in Portsmouth.

“We do everything we can at Hancocks to support and encourage our members of staff to follow his footsteps and reach these big milestones.”