We are over half-way through 2026 and what a year it is shaping up to be. The UK is currently in the midst of a heatwave that has allowed us to reap the benefits of the solar panels we installed last year; we are finishing up the installation of a new ERP system that should transform our production efficiency; have redesigned both the J Banks and Verselo websites; launched new door AND window products (with more to follow); and taken huge steps towards our sustainability goals.
To celebrate our 180 years anniversary with the team, these are just some of the things we’ve done this year so far…
- ‘Welcome back’ breakfast in January, in which we bought hot baps, burgers, and jacket potatoes for everyone so we could start 2026 right.
- January raffle, in which every staff member was automatically entered into a random name generator that resulted in over 30 winners!
- We added a branded fleece to the uniform – to match our tote bags and umbrellas – which staff have been requesting for a while now, so it was a well-received surprise.
- Did you know we were founded only one year after Lindt? When we found out, we celebrated Valentine’s Day by filling the canteen with flowers and Lindor chocolates.
- St Patrick’s Day felt like the perfect opportunity to appreciate our Irish customers who we’ve consistently worked closely with these past couple of decades. The canteen received a makeover and staff found a pot of gold (chocolate) at the end of a rainbow.
- Easter brought new decorations and our usual Easter Egg Raffle.
- May boasted a new addition to our reception – a history cabinet, complete with day books and wages entries dating back since before World War I, that stands proud opposite our hologram – a true blend of heritage and innovation, which is what we’re all about at J Banks.
- In June, we hosted a ‘J Banks Birthday Party’ in the canteen – complete with masses of birthday cake, bunting, and balloons. (We had to install a tension rod to make decorating easier!)
- More celebratory cake ensued when England’s men’s football team won their first World Cup match of 2026.
- We recruited a talented 16-year old aspiring artist to paint a history mural on one of the walls in reception (so far, so good!).
It’s not an easy time for businesses at the moment, especially in UK manufacturing, which seems to be dwindling further into nothing as we look around us. It is, therefore, almost with surprise when we reflect on 2026 so far with a smile. They tell you to love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life – we’d argue that it’s even more important to love who you work with because you’ll walk into work with a smile on your face… and walk out laughing.
We’ve got lots more lined up to celebrate our anniversary, our journey, and (more than anything) our team – so look out for our summary post at the end of the year!
Until then, enjoy the heatwave, keep your head up, and buy ethical.
With gratitude,
The J Banks Team.
