A well-earned day of rest was on the cards for employees of a Colne company as they celebrated 15 years in business.

The team of staff from Harvey Environmental were instead treated to a slap-up meal at the Piccolino Restaurant in Clitheroe, where they raised glasses to the company’s successes over the past decade and a half.

Martin Harvey established the business in 2001; a one man band with not a single customer to shout about and no secure income, yet with a bank loan to pay back – so getting out there and getting business was vital.

The main focus of the original Harvey Environmental business was pest control as Martin got things off the ground, but when the business began to take off, he very quickly added washroom services to the offer, also having previous experience in this field.

Exceptional in customer service and highly regarded by industry auditors, Harvey’s customer base quickly grew and now boasts a wealth of multi-site businesses on its books, such as the Piccolino restaurant chain and San Carlo restaurants.

Martin, the current president of the British Pest Control Association, remains the main driver of sales for the business and weekly he travels the length and breadth of the country visiting the company’s loyal and growing client base, yet also relies heavily on the support of a loyal on-the-road and office team.

He said: “I am so proud of our team; 15 years in business and flying high. Every single one of them plays their part expertly and in a manner that delights customers, keeps customers and draws more customers to us.

“We all share a common goal; looking out for each other and pulling together and the results are just fantastic.”