Class of '94 - Andrew & Lee Celebrate 30 years at Walsh

We often state that we have a wealth of staff knowledge, over 420 years in total and 2024 saw 2 of our staff reach a very significant milestone. Our buyer Andrew Willgress (R) based in Biggin Hill and Lee Campbell (L) from Birmingham (seen here with our other Lee - Randall in the middle) both clocked up 30 years each with the company.

Both Andrew and Lee C joined as fresh faced 18 year olds straight after A' Levels in 1994 and have grown as individuals and work colleagues to become the highly valued, senior members of our close knit team that they are today. Both add so much to our company, imparting that wealth of knowledge not only to customers but newer members of staff as they join.

Other significant events in 1994 were:

• Sunday Trading Act came into force
• Channel Tunnel opened to the public
• Friends premiered on NBC
• Amazon was launched
• First every National Lottery draw – number 30 was one of the drawn balls – was a sign!
• A loaf of bread cost 50 pence
• Wet Wet Wet’s Love is All Around Us was number 1 for 15 weeks over the summer when Andrew joined and Stay Another Day East 17 were top of the charts in December for Lee 

Andrew Willgress - Joined August 1994

Andrew joined our company in the August and  for many years worked with Steve Pugh, one of our former directors, mastering our Horological business. Andrew took over the reins when Steve retired and has been instrumental with steering our horological business to where it is today. Andrew is an accomplished allrounder and attained an excellent reputation within our trade, forging relationships with customers and suppliers alike and is highly regarded by both! Andrew was an Air Cadet for a number of years but it's his love of music which drives his part time DJ appearances and shows these days and he is strongly involved in fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis reasearch and care.

Lee Campbell - Joined December 1994

Lee also joined aged 18 and has had a variety of responsibilities over the years, from 'repairs' - booking in and processing all types of jewellery equipment from customers to 'schools liaison officer' - travelling the length and breadth of the country visiting jewellery schools and universities promoting the Walsh name. He currently manages our 'key accounts' - dealing with larger 'multiples' customers for all their workshop and processing needs and also maintaining contact with many watch workshops throughout the UK helping our horological customers through the minefield of suitable accredited watch service and repair products for their workshops. 

For many years he represented Walsh in the annual Jewellery Quarter 5-a-side football tournament, breaking his hand in the process one year and was known for being as "tenacious" with his tackles as he was with giving the best service possible for his customers. Also, he's been involved with many jewellery exhibitions in Birmingham and London over the years, as well as the 'buying group' meetings (CMJ), usually being one of the last people to leave the bar on the evening events that we have too! A very dedicated member of the team in every aspect!