JT Atkinson Mark 150th Anniversary by Returning to Their Roots
July 2011
The past twelve months have been extremely busy for JT Atkinson, having reached their 150th anniversary last year, they have marked this historic milestone by opening five new branches across the North East, one of them being their former site in Hartlepo
‘We never really left as many members of our family live in Hartlepool’ said Edwin Atkinson Managing Director ‘but it is good to see the J T Atkinson sign in Burn Road once again.’
‘I am delighted to be re-opening the gates for trading at the Hartlepool branch’ commented Mr Atkinson, ‘the site in Burn Road has a lot of memories and I can remember starting work here during school holidays in the seventies – there were a lot of characters working then.’ The site has belonged to the Atkinson family since the 1930s and was the centre for the growth of the business throughout the North East and Cumbria servicing all trades including builders, roofers and plumbers.
Edwin and Mark Atkinson are the sixth generation of the family to work in the business and recently Edwin’s two sons Jamie and Jonny have joined the management team. ‘We are all very proud of the company’ reflects Edwin ‘and it is great to hear such positive comments from our customers now we have re-opened in Hartlepool’. Jackie Reid, who has worked with the 5th,6th and now 7thgeneration of the family for over 30 years and lives in Hartlepool, said that she felt ‘very emotional when she saw the new signs and it’s great to see that we’re back’.
The new branch still holds similarities to the original site; however it also boasts some modern improvements including a new landscaping display which has just been installed at the entrance of the branch. The new team led by Manager Peter Dutton, are all experienced in the building trade, ‘We are celebrating the opening in style by holding a promotional trade week from Monday 13th until Friday 17thJune and we look forward to welcoming all local tradesmen where they will find complimentary food and drinks, giveaways, special offers and supplier demonstrations. JT Atkinson is even offering customers the chance to win a brand new iPad 2!
