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Nerine Group of Fiduciaries chairman, Keith Corbin, is preparing for what he describes as “the end of an era” with the retirement of his secretary, Beryl Davidge, at the beginning of August.
The duo have been working together for an impressive 42 years. They first started working together in 1974 when Keith joined Slater Walker (Guernsey) Limited and Beryl was secretary to the managing director, Stewart Faulkner.
Keith took Beryl with him when he moved on to start what became Havelet Trust and, apart from a short break leaving Havelet and joining Nerine they have worked together for 42 years.
“It is difficult to describe our working relationship which has developed over the years – or to put a value on it. I have a fairly busy travel schedule, to our other offices in the British Virgin Islands, Geneva, Hong Kong and India as well as visiting clients around the world; Beryl instinctively knows what I need and she knows all my major clients and contacts who have become personal friends over the years,” Keith said.
Keith said the relationship has bordered on telepathy at times.
Beryl has steadfastly remained at her desk in Nerine’s reception area. She instantly recognises many clients’ voices and ensures clients receive a warm welcome.
Office life has changed since 1974 when the most sophisticated technology, apart from some pioneering computer systems, was the telex machine.
“In those days, we employed lots of secretaries and I relied on Beryl’s judgement when we were recruiting. She is a good judge of people and some of those staff are still colleagues today. Loyalty is something we value highly at Nerine; we like to think that our long service together is a good indication of a happy office,” Keith said.
Looking back over her successful career Beryl said: “I am sure that some people will be amazed at the time I have worked with/for Keith - or ‘Bossman’ as I call him.
“I have never understood the need some people have for constantly changing jobs but then I have been very lucky in enjoying my years with Keith and I do not believe the grass would be greener anywhere else.
“I mentioned some time ago that I would only retire when Keith made the same decision; however I have come to realise that this will never happen and, rather than the poor man end up with his secretary on a Zimmer-frame, I think the time has come for him to have a younger model.”
Fortunately, another long term Nerine stalwart, Sharon Prow – who has been with Keith for 26 years, is taking over Beryl’s role, having had a handover period while Beryl prepares for retirement.
“I am only too delighted that Sharon Prow has stepped into my shoes as, apart from being a friend, she is a loyal member of the Nerine family; I would have hated some stranger taking over my job,” Beryl said.
So, how does Keith think he will cope after the Beryl “era”?
“Beryl has earned her retirement. I still enjoy working full time - as long as I can get enough leisure time, get out on the golf course, work in the garden and spend time at our house with my wife Carolyn and family in Portugal, I’m happy. We have a fantastic Nerine management team and some fast rising stars; it’s an exciting time in a fast changing world in our business.
“It’s going to feel very strange when Beryl retires; 42 years working with someone is a very long time and deserves to be marked. I doubt that there will be many partnerships of this importance or longevity in the future.
“Beryl has been an integral part of our team and she will be sorely missed. We wish her every success as she embarks on this new stage of life.
“Our business is all about continuity… I am sure 42 years is some sort of record. That said it’s entirely possible that my business partner, Neal Duquemin, and I will work together even longer – we started in 1975!”
