A LONG-serving member of staff at a Crediton business said he was “overwhelmed” when it was announced that a meeting room at the firm’s headquarters was to be named after him.

Brian Keight started as a salesman with the Denis Brinicombe Group in 1974 and retired last month.

He was the longest-serving salesman at the firm, which began in ruminant nutrition, but which has expanded and grown into a large-scale business with sales and outlets around the world, but is still family-owned.

The announcement was made at a retirement party held in the room at the firm’s UK headquarters at Fordton, Crediton.

Neil Ashwell, Head of Agriculture, called it “the end of an era”.

He outlined how Brian had been pivotal in helping expand the business by increasing sales, travelling across Devon and the South West of England.

He said: “Because of Brian’s success myself, David Quance and Neil Cooper have to replace his area.”

Keith Greig, managing director, said Brian had “legendary status” within the business and was proud to announce that after seven years of having a meeting room with no name, that from now on it would become “The Keight Room”.

He produced a plaque which will go on to the wall in the room which reads: “The Keight Room, Dedicated to Brian Keight, the longest serving salesman of the Denis Brinicombe Group, 1974 to his retirement in 2019.”

Brian was presented with a card, gifts and vouchers and his wife, Carol, was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Brian said he was “overwhelmed”.

He spoke of how he had met with Denis before his appointment in October 1973 before he left the Royal Navy.

Brian said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time working at Denis Brinicombe Group and thanked Denis, Gloria  and the family for the opportunity to work at the company.

He also spoke of some of the challenges over the years which had included Foot and Mouth Disease, BSE, Milk Quotas, fuel shortages, strikes and much more.

Brian and Carol are now going to enjoy their retirement tending their garden that they both cherish.