Blog by Colin Westbury, Founder (Kilbury)
So, 25 years as Kilbury eh? This wasn’t even a milestone of mine and suddenly, in the blink of an eye we’re here. When you start in business that’s just what you do, just start and go day by day, it’s been some journey.
Many of you here today have sailed some difficult waters with me over the years and decades, you know who you are. The support and dedication not to give up when things get tough, is testament to everyone stood here today.
Had it not been for the level of commitment and trust in me and the family, to stick with Kilbury, then we may not even be stood here today. I will be eternally grateful to all those who have entrusted in me.
Kilbury was incorporated on 17th January 2000, exactly 25 years ago today. On a Friday night , early January 2000 at a pub in Tivoli, I sat with two friends, Ian and Steve who sadly can’t join us this evening, and told them I was going alone. Sense checking, they advised me to speak to my hero and the biggest influence in my life, Dad. Seeking wisdom from dad on Saturday morning, he said to think about it for a while. I handed my notice in on the Monday morning taking absolutely no notice of him - impulsiveness and “not” listening to others are some of the biggest traits I have. They have served me well, in the main.
So... Route 25, we’re here, we’ve already got a great team on our tour bus and have plans for more passengers in the coming year. Like all companies, we seek a place of stability and consider growth the only way to strengthen our business position. The recent addition of a Non-Executive Director in Simon Kershaw has already added the stretch I need, to push Kilbury forward to ongoing destinations. Not just employees, but their families and also those who support Kilbury in our business world, some of whom are here tonight, will benefit from the future success that Kilbury finds. Thank you all for your continued support not just now, but along our journey and also in advance of where we’re heading.
There are too many people to mention and thank, so apologies that I don’t have time to mention everyone personally. However, I do need to mention a few people who have impacted my personal life in ways that make me what I am today. Without them, Kilbury would not be where it is today, and I would have probably drifted elsewhere.
Mum (Pat) and Dad (Mike), thank you. Obviously, without them I wouldn’t be here. The name Kilbury was forged from mum’s maiden name Kilburn and Dad’s surname, Westbury. Being a hybrid of them, the name Kilbury sprung to mine. Mum and dad, I’m forever indebted to you…..our love for each other is unconditional. We have, and will always have each others backs, I love you both dearly. Thank you for all the support and memories. The logo seen on some of the merch tonight is in honour of my parents………..this is a result of them, their branding mark. There is a meaning here. A Branding Iron Tool was used to burn a mark on livestock, tools, or manufactured goods to indicate ownership. Mum and dad own me, forever. Thank you.
The only other hybrids of the Kilbury name are Andrea and Robin, who were also main contributing factors to the longevity of the company. At difficult times they always stood up. Not here tonight but forever etched in my mind, thank you Andrea and Robin.
Belle and Noah, they have missed out in many ways where the business has demanded me, even as late as last night as I penned this, but I would like to think I’ve done okay by them. They are finding their way in life now and I’m so proud of them as individuals. Seeing them together, interacting and handling themselves with comfort, is one of my greatest achievements. I need nothing from them, other than them to know, how proud I am of them both. Both of you, find what you enjoy and where you belong, this will bring you happiness beyond wealth.
Kirstie Dawn - no one knows me like our Kirstie does. Instrumental in a lot of things we do together, or probably 90% of anyway, no, 95%? She really is my anchor holding me tight in lots of situations. Kirstie is the brain behind much of what I do.. An absolutely amazing person who asks for nothing in return, she’s in a league of her own. Kirstie, thank you my love, for everything you do. I look forward to many more fun times together. I know you don’t need me, but to know you want me, is enough. Through Kirstie, I’ve been fortunate to have two other good lads in my crew in Hugo and Monty, Bossman and Moo Moo…..like my two, they can handle themselves comfortably and are now starting to make their own way in life. Your mum is so proud of you both, as your dad Andrew is too, and me.
Kilbury Team. I hope through individual conversations we have, that it’s known how much I value all of you, thank you. Without you I would just be the “I” in Kilbury.
I recognise that our people remain our greatest asset and resource. Thanks to everyone both internally and externally of Kilbury for continued support. Family founded but no longer family based, Kilbury are more together now than we’ve ever been and one big family.
Pictures courtesy of Glocuestershire Live.
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