In the good old days when Jack Walker (Blackburn steel magnate and BRFC bankroller) used to spend a bit of time in the UK, he’d often be prone to offering his workforce his pearls of wisdom. They’ve become almost legendary round these parts for typifying the curt philosophical ramblings us Lancastrians are renowned for. Irrespective of your footballing allegiances, Jack has to be respected for growing up in Blackburn, making his millions there and then ploughing them back into the area.

One tale goes along the lines of him bumping into one of his salesman on the shopfloor and asking him about a certain lead the salesman had briefly mentioned to Jack a couple of weeks before. (Apparently Jack was exceptional at remembering obscure conversations with his employees – a trait that endeared him to the vast majority of them). The salesman said that he was in the middle of sorting it out, but didn’t really have the time to stop and chat about it as it was already 6pm and he wanted to get home. Just as the salesman turned to scuttle off, Jack gripped him by the arm, fixed him with a gaze and said, “You should never have to work past 5.30 if you work smart, son. Work smart. Not hard.” Jack then turned on his heels and left.

‘Work smart. Not hard’ is a bit of a mantra at Butler Sheetmetal, especially when somebody decides to take a Friday afternoon off to go golfing! However, here at Butler Sheet Metal, Matt has decided to go into semi-retirement at the age of 40. He’s basically going to work on quoting the more technical jobs that come through and work more from home.(Due to my impending move to America everything needed to be set up so that we can communicate from our respective homes and workplaces more effectively. If anything, Butler Sheetmetal Ltd now has a better communication structure than it’s ever had).

John will continue running everything on a day to day basis as he’s always been the ‘public face’ of the company. We’ve also been able to draft in the guy who mentored Matt during his apprenticeship who’s touted as having the best ‘hands’ in the area. (And before you ask this isn’t according to his wife, nor was he a goalkeeper).

So basically, rather than everyone working harder, everyone is working smarter. But, the major upshot in all of this – everyone is working happier.

Game of golf anyone?