Celebrating 50 years with Gill: A remarkable journey at Consultus

On April 14th, 1975, Gill walked through the doors of Consultus for the very first time. What started as a daunting first day quickly blossomed into a lifelong career full of friendship, support, and meaningful memories. 

Consultus first impressions and finding her feet 

Gill’s first impression of the company came with a mix of nerves and awe. “It was scary,” she admits with a smile. Much of that came down to Mrs Anne Stevens, known lovingly as Mrs. S, who founded Consultus in 1962 and was a strong presence in the office. “She did come across as a bit scary—especially when she shouted!” But over time, that initial fear turned into a bond built on kindness and mutual respect. 

“She was really supportive,” Gill recalls. “The year my father died, she was there for me. Later I got married and had my daughter. She always said she'd buy the cot when I had a baby—and she did. We went shopping in Duncan's in Tunbridge Wells, and while I was looking at the cheaper options, she dragged me to the expensive ones. She said, ‘Gill, just pick what you like.’ I ended up with a four-poster cot with drapes!” 

Their relationship grew beyond the workplace. “I used to go to her house when my daughter was young. She had a swimming pool, and we’d have lunch there. From being scared when I started to the end, it was totally different—we were close.” 

Starting in accounts 

Gill began her career in the Accounts Department, working primarily on timesheets and typing invoices. Back then, the nursing side of the business was booming. “It was so busy we had to split the alphabet to manage the workload,” she explains. “We paid fortnightly—A to L one week, M to Z the next.” 

Embracing change and technology 

Over five decades, Gill has witnessed an incredible evolution in how the company operates. “We didn’t have computers back then. Everything was written by hand,” she says. “I had a little electronic typewriter—like a portable one—while the secretaries had the big machines.” 

She credits Paul Astill, the now Systems Development Manager, and his wife for guiding her through the early days of computer training. “We did sessions at Serverware. It was a whole new world, but I enjoyed learning it all. The company’s progression has been exciting to be a part of.” 

Memorable moments 

When asked to name a standout moment, Gill fondly remembers her 30th birthday anniversary at Consultus. “We went to Thackeray’s—it was just Peter, Debbie, the old accountant John, Jan (my long-time colleague), and me. It was small and special.” 

Lifelong friendships 

A workplace becomes a second home when it’s filled with the right people. Gill has formed lifelong friendships during her time at Consultus—especially with Deb, Jan (who she worked with for 25–30 years), and Annie, a former secretary who now lives in Australia at 80 years old. 

Mentorship and wisdom 

Mrs. S wasn’t just a boss—she was a mentor, even teaching Gill how to sew a button. When asked what advice she’d give to someone just starting out, Gill doesn’t hesitate: “As long as you're a hard worker and don’t mess about, you’ll be alright. You can have a laugh with your colleagues but know where the line is. You’re here to work—so do your job and do it well.”  

Loyalty and gratitude 

Why stay in one place for 50 years? For Gill, the answer is simple: “They’ve been good to me, and I feel like I’ve been good to them.” It’s a mutual loyalty that has stood the test of time. 

Looking ahead 

As for being celebrated for this incredible milestone, Gill is characteristically humble. “Absolutely nervous,” she laughs. “I don’t like being the centre of attention. I just like to blend into the background—that’s how I’ve always been.” 

But even after 50 years, Gill isn’t planning on slowing down. “What’s next? Carrying on here at Consultus.”