Back in the day, if you were in Wetherby and your bike needed fixing, you’d go to Ivor’s grandad. Ivor fondly recalls childhood time spent with his grandad in his shed, where perhaps the seeds were sown for a lifetime passion for metalwork!

From the age of 12, Ivor had a Saturday and school-holiday job with a local blacksmith, and subsequently went on to learn his trade as a welder, firstly working as an apprentice at T&M in Wetherby. With over 30 years’ experience in engineering and management behind him, Ivor joined KE a couple of years ago, having initially agreed to integrate the team for a project that was going to last anywhere between three and nine months. This was perfect timing. With the country gripped by the turmoil of the COVID pandemic, Ivor had faced redundancy and was working on his own business when the offer came to join KE.

After several years working mainly on his own, Ivor enjoys being part of a talented team again and appreciates the clean and safe environment offered by KE.

Ivor appreciates the work-life balance that flexible working affords him. He has enough time for the myriad hobbies and activities that he enjoys outside work. If he’s not out and about on a motorcycle or at a rally, he’s up in the air, flying with his friend in a small plane, or he’s practising shooting or doing general repairs. One of the things he enjoys most is restoring old vehicles, including military vehicles, which he does both for other people and for his own pleasure. It’s definitely true to say that Ivor has made a long career out of his passion, something which we could all aspire to! An extremely experienced, valuable and respected member of the KE team, Ivor will be retiring in four years’ time, but it’s safe to say he won’t be putting down his tools for many years to come.