Banyards Table 10 | 2026

Marking its third consecutive year, Table 10 is an annual tradition at Banyards that brings together team members who have dedicated a decade or more of their careers to the business.

On 26th June, 12 members of the Banyards team, Nick Till, David Cocksedge, Mike Evans, Darren Harbor, Graham Watt, Anthony Davies, James Sargent, Steve Chandler, Ian Fordham, Russell Plowman, Ralph Lowe and Simon Jelley, who collectively have over 255 years of experience at the company, headed to City Social on London’s Old Broad Street to enjoy an afternoon of good food, drinks and celebrations.

In total, 14 members of the team have worked at the company for a decade or more; however, due to prior commitments, Tony Craig (Manchester) and Darren Ley (London) were unable to attend this time.

Commenting on the importance of celebrating members of the team who have been in the company 10+ years, David Cocksedge, Managing Director at Banyards, said, “Table 10 is about recognising the people who have made it all possible; our dedicated colleagues and celebrating the last ten years of achievements, growth, and success.

“Achieving the 10-year milestone underpins the fact that each person has contributed through their hard work, commitment, professionalism, and unwavering support.

“I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to every member of our Table 10 Group. Your dedication, loyalty, and willingness to go the extra mile have been the driving force behind our success.

“Thank you all for all leading by example and being part of this remarkable journey,’’ David added.

However, this year’s event wasn’t just a celebration of milestone tenures; it also marked the passing of the torch, as Banyards welcomed one brand-new member to Table 10 and prepared to say a heartfelt goodbye to two legends of the team.

Banyards Table 10 Welcomes Anthony Davies

Reaching the 10-year mark is no small feat. It represents a decade of dedication and of being part of a team that makes Banyards the business it is today.

This year, Banyards welcomed a fresh face to Table 10. Anthony Davies, Commissioning Operations Manager.

Speaking about his time working for Banyards, Anthony said:

“I would like to say what an honour it is to be at such a great company and how they have supported me over the last 10 years, from being a raw commissioning manager still learning the role when I arrived, to becoming an operations manager.

“The support has been amazing from everyone, both old and new colleagues, including Dave Cocksedge, Nick Till and Darren Harbor, and not forgetting Dave Young (now retired) and also the amazing help from Jackie, Nancy and Carolina in supporting us all.

“I would also like to add what a privilege it has been working with my colleagues from both the London and Manchester teams, including James Sargent and Tony Craig, and I look forward to working with everyone for the next ten years.

“A final mention to Neill Philliskirk and Andy Seeley, who persuaded me to join Banyards when I was working on the Riverwalk project, and Gary Harris, who chaperoned me around Italy for a Factory Acceptance Test where we were under some intense pressure. The last 10 years have flown by, and here’s to more great years with my friends at Banyards.”

The End of an Era

While Table 10 was a celebration of the people driving Banyards’ success, the afternoon’s bittersweet highlight was honouring two key team members who are set to retire later this year.

Steve Chandler, who has worked for Banyards for 27 years and Mike Evans, who has been part of the team for 22 years, are both set to retire later this year.

Combined, they have almost 50 years of experience working at Banyards, and while it’s hard to imagine life at Banyards without them, the whole team is grateful for the decades they have given the business and wishes them all the best in their well-deserved retirement.

Looking back at the last 27 years and reflecting on his upcoming retirement, Steve Chandler, Senior Commissioning Manager, said:

“Having worked for Banyards for 27 years, I have witnessed many changes throughout the company and the industry.

“I began my commissioning management journey as part of a team of just four people—a world away from where the business is today.

“Over the years, I have worked on or been involved in more projects than I can remember, but a couple stand out in particular. The first is St Giles Circus, a multi-purpose development incorporating a boutique hotel, function and exhibition spaces, retail outlets, and a nightclub, all of which feature a wide range of building services systems. It was a fantastic project to be involved with and brought together a great team of people.

“The second is the Subsea 7 building in Sutton, an office development that we were involved with from the demolition of the existing car park right through to the completion of the new building. Seeing the project evolve from start to finish made it especially memorable.

“After 44 years in the industry, retirement is now calling. I am looking forward to spending much more time with my family, especially my granddaughter and another grandchild who is due later this year. Golf, fishing, swimming, and cycling should keep me busy with any remaining spare time.

“I would like to thank everyone associated with Banyards who has supported me throughout my career and journey with the company. I wish Banyards every success for the future,” Steve added.

As we close the door on this year’s Banyards Table 10, we’d like to say a huge thank you to the team. The company would not be the success it is today without all of your hard work and dedication.