Sylvia Timmins is enjoying life as a hands-on company director at the astonishing age of 87.
The sprightly businesswoman is still very much involved with running Cannock-based Arkrite Fencing and always makes any final decisions.
She wouldn’t have it any other way … she believes her role is keeping her fit and healthy.
Sylvia became involved with the family firm which supplies steel security fencing and gates soon after its inception in 1973.
Working in both office and workshop, she was part of a winning team with her late husband and company founder Tom.
She was appointed a director in 1991 when Tom’s business partner suffered ill health.
“I along with daughter Julie and son Craig have a passion to continue growing the reputation that my husband built,” said Sylvia.
“I love still being involved in the business and want to continue with my husband’s legacy.
“I have always been relatively fit and active and I continue to enjoy going into the business most days, though it be a more part-time role.
“I have never been one for sitting much and I like to keep my brain active as well as keep physically fit.
“I find that continuing my director’s role and being involved in the everyday running of the business helps me to continue being as active as I am.”
Sylvia is highly respected in the firm and long-standing employees still come to her for advice.
She is proud not only that her children Julie and Craig work in the family business but also that her grandchildren worked there for a while before forging other careers.
Sylvia added: “The secret of the business’s longevity is plain and simple – it’s Tom Timmins who over the course of half a century became a legend in the fencing industry, together with the constant support we gave each other and working solid as a team.”
