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Long-serving and retiring Begg's staff members are honoured


By Jonathan Clark

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LONG-SERVING and retiring Begg's staff members have been honoured by the company.

Former manager Alan Reid, who retired during lockdown after 26 years, and Annita Brown, who is still working two days a week after 25 years, were taken to lunch by company chairman Garek Begg to thank them for their efforts over the years.

Alan Reid and Annita Brown...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Alan Reid and Annita Brown...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The lunch was at Orrin on South Street – a fitting venue as it's where Begg's was located before it moved to its current high street home.

Garek Begg said: "It was great. It was a really appropriate place to take them as they both started work there.

"Alan retired at the beginning of Covid so we weren't able to do much other than give him a cheque, a bottle of wine and wish him well.

"So we thought this would be a great chance to thank both him and Annita.

"Alan was really well liked in his role and had a brilliant sense of humour, which is so important at work.

"Annita has been in the job so long so a lot of people know her in and around Elgin.

"Together they were like a tag team – they'd have customers rolling on the floor laughing at times."

From left; Garek Begg, Annita Brown and Alan Reid...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
From left; Garek Begg, Annita Brown and Alan Reid...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
From left; Garek Begg, Annita Brown and Alan Reid...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
From left; Garek Begg, Annita Brown and Alan Reid...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Annita was originally due to retire as well, but decided that she wanted to continue on working two days a week.

That was a decision which Garek was pleased with – and also one that he believes shows Begg's is a good place to work.

"Annita was originally going to hang up her shoehorn but decided she was going to miss the banter with customers too much," he said.

"She's been brilliant over the years and loves the variety of the job. She's still able to show the younger ones a thing or two!

"We are a family business and if the staff are enjoying themselves and doing well the business survives and thrives.

"We've got a few people who have been with us for 20 years, but also a lot of young ones. It takes all sorts.

"If you fall in love with shoes and enjoy working with people then it's a pleasant place to be."

Alan Reid and Annita Brown...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Alan Reid and Annita Brown...Long-serving members of staff are rewarded for their service at Elgin shop Begg's Shoes and Bags...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

New manager Hannah Sahota has taken over from Alan, starting her journey as two of the company's longest-serving employees wrap up theirs.

Garek added: "She's not been at it long and has loads to learn but she is showing her good side so far. Hopefully we'll have her with us or 25 years!"


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