LEO CAPLAN, CEO AND OWNER OF MARK WILKINSON FURNITURE led his company’s celebrations with a personal presentation of a luxury watch and £1,000 bonus to the people who have helped to secure the company’s outstanding success with service ranging from 25 to 27 years.

Leo Caplan, who took over the company in 2009 has been keen to maintain the Mark Wilkinson Furniture culture for developing and retaining its highly skilled people during a period of change which has seen him installing the modern business systems that are required in today’s market-place.

“None of us likes change, and with this presentation,” says Leo Caplan, “the present board of Mark Wilkinson Furniture and I wanted to say a well-deserved thank you to, and show our appreciation of, all of our people who remain with the company after 25 years. This is a practice that I intend to continue over the years.”

Mark Wilkinson Furniture became established in the rural farming village of Bromham and more recently Devizes, with a culture of developing its people through an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, run with and aided by Wiltshire College.

L to R – Research & Development carpenter, Andy Saunders; Wood machinist, Andy Bray; Despatch storeman, Dave Paget; CEO, Leo Caplan; Dealer sales co-ordinator, Joan Nicholls; Warehouse manager, Dave Smith