Celebrating 40 Years of Jeff Thompson at See Limited

It’s not every day you get to celebrate someone who’s dedicated four decades to one company. But this month, we’re doing just that, with our Main Board Director, Jeff Thompson.

Main Board Director Jeff Thompson (right) pictured with Managing Director Daniel McNerney

40-year anniversaries are rare. But what’s even rarer is someone who’s made the kind of lasting impact Jeff has at See Limited and our two operating businesses, Performance Panels Limited and Bousfields.

A journey that started in 1985

Bousfields was originally founded by William Reginald (Rex) Bousfield, who set up shop with his daughter Joan and later his sons Peter and Ken, after the Second World War.

By the time Jeff arrived on March 31st,1985, Bousfields had already made a name for itself through a commitment to service, quality, and innovation.

They were early champions of Trespa® TopLab® in the UK, a strong partnership with Trespa that continues to this day and one that Jeff himself has helped to nurture and maintain.

But back in the 1980s Bousfields was ready to take the next step, and Jeff helped make that possible.

When Jeff joined in Spring 1985, See Limited did not exist and he was joining our fabrication arm Bousfields at a time when our focus was primarily on simple panel fabrication.

Jeff brought in a whole new understanding of costs, he was a stickler for detail, but he would always be on hand to help and assist. Fast forward 40 years down the line and he’s still doing just that.

Today, See Limited is a growing name in the UK built environment industry, working across sectors including commercial, retail and interior design through the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels. Jeff’s leadership has been central to that journey.

Jeff’s first port of call, when he joined Bousfields, was to transform the working environment and bring in a more professional atmosphere and a formality to the way our fabrication arm operated.

Back in the 1980s, Jeff Thompson worked alongside former Director of family-owned business Bousfields (known as Rex Bousfield Ltd), Robert Bousfield, who, reflecting on his time spent working with Jeff, said: “Jeff always wants to pass on his knowledge and wisdom and those that accept his guidance will do very well.

“Jeff is an extremely knowledgeable and technical person who is so very generous with his time.”

Jeff Thompson (right) pictured with former Bousfields Director, Robert Bousfield

More than his time served, it’s the way Jeff has shaped the culture at See Limited that really stands out.

A career that’s shaped the company

His leadership style, his integrity, and his unwavering support for the team have helped define what it means to be part of See Limited. We have always been a business centred around family and Jeff has been integral in supporting that and ensuring that ethos has not been lost down the years.

Daniel McNerney, Managing Director at See Limited, who has worked with Jeff for more than eight years, said: “Jeff’s loyalty, leadership and presence have shaped See Limited in ways that go far beyond his role.

“From the early days of managing the commercial side of our business including supplier relationships and our partnership with premier developer of high-quality panels, Trespa, to helping establish our Group holding company, See Limited in 2016, Jeff’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our company.”

Speaking on his 40-year anniversary, Jeff Thompson said: “I believe that ethics and fair play should always be at the heart of how we should work, not just on an individual level, but as a business. We may occasionally fail but having a commitment to these values should enable us to fail less. 

“At See, we continue to build a legacy where doing the right thing defines this culture and isn’t simply a tick-box exercise, it’s how we treat our suppliers, support our customers, and look after our people.

A photo montage of images from the archives

“I hope that I have played a part in shaping this culture in a way that passes on such values.

“I genuinely believe that these have immense benefits to individuals, to team success and acknowledges our responsibility to the wider community.

Whether it’s being a mentor for new starters and taking people under his wing, or bringing calm, expertise and a level-head in high pressure moments, Jeff has played a big role in shaping who we are.

Jeff continued: “Joining Ken and his brother Peter at Bousfields 40 years ago I recognised their honourability and family values. They were honest, trustworthy and a joy to work with.

“So, after 40 years I really hope I’ve managed, in some way, to have passed on the baton of these values for future successes and enjoyment of my colleagues working at See Limited.

Jeff’s legacy isn’t just in the fabrication projects he has been involved in, but in the culture, he’s helped to build at See Limited.

So more than anything, we want to say thank you. For your time, your knowledge, and the example you’ve set.

Here’s to 40 years Jeff and everything that is still to come.