Catherine Windross hands over the MD reins to Jack Atkinson

In April we had to say goodbye to our MD Catherine Windross, who finally decided it was time to retire from the business so she could spend more time with family and pursue her own interests and hobbies.

Catherine took over the running of Ryedale Plasterers, after the death of her husband Matthew in June 2008 and since that time has devoted heart and soul to keep Ryedale up & running. In that time business has thrived, and in 2016 moved from a barn based at Catherines home, to a much bigger unit in Northallerton with a purpose build workshop and drying room. After a successful 15 years at the helm, it is safe to say that Catherine is able to hand-over a successful and thriving business to Jack Atkinson. This succession planning started last year, with Jack gradually taking over some of Catherines responsibilities, until it got to the point where he was ready to go solo.

Jack started as an apprentice at Ryedale Plasterers in 2012, and after gaining his NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Plasterwork, he hasn't looked back since. He has plenty of hands-on experience which will enable him to manage the business with a different perspective to Catherine and has now taken over as Operations Director and overall running of the business. He heads up a team of 2 craftsman and an assistant/ labourer. Valerie continues working as office administrator and his mum Liz, who is a qualified accountant, is doing the books - so the title of small family business still applies...and it certainly feels like a family.

So we wish Catherine best wishes as she sets sail on this next chapter of her life, and we wish Jack much luck as he takes over Ryedale Plasterers as the boss!