Greendown Shepherd Huts has welcomed a heartwarming addition to its workforce as the managing director, Harry Long, offers an apprenticeship to his younger brother Dan. Dan, aged 35, was forced to give up his previous role as a tree surgeon due to a heart condition. Determined not to let his circumstances hold him back, he approached Harry for an opportunity to contribute, and now the siblings are working side by side within the workshop.
"I loved my previous job; however, I was having problems with my heart, which made working at heights unsafe and deemed me too high risk," Dan revealed. "I didn't want to sit around doing nothing, so I asked Harry if I could help out, and now I'm working within the workshop, and I love it. I know I may be a more 'mature' apprentice, but I'm thrilled to embrace this new opportunity."
With Dan as the latest addition, Greendown Shepherd Huts now boasts a team of 15 individuals, operating from their purpose-built site and workshop at Zeal Green Business Park near Keynsham.
Harry, who established the company six years ago, hadn't initially considered having a family member join him, although his brother-in-law Jordan already serves as a director of the company.
"Dan has demonstrated a genuine passion and talent for crafting our shepherd huts, making him the perfect fit for our latest apprentice!" Harry said. "Age is no barrier; we value team members who share our ethics, values, and commitment to detail."
Based in Corsham, Dan will be training with Bristol-based provider Didac Ltd, pursuing a Level 2 qualification as a wood products manufacturing operative. Greendown Shepherd Huts, now entering its seventh year, is projected to increase production to two luxury huts per week.
The company primarily caters to the business-to-business market, serving boutique hotels, holiday lets, glamping sites, farmers seeking diversification, and other tourism enterprises. To learn more about the company, visit their website at https://www.greendownshepherdhuts.co.uk.
