One of the leading names in the UK water quality sector is retiring after 40 years of service in the industry.

Jim Panton, founder of Scottish water quality engineering firm Panton McLeod, has announced his retirement and has stepped down as chairman, a position he has held at the company since 1994.

The influential water industry figure has been succeeded at Panton McLeod by his son - also called Jim Panton - the former head of Poppy Scotland and veterans’ charity Erskine, who is taking over as chairman and will lead a new business drive to help expand the Borders-based company influence throughout the UK.

Jim Snr said: “I’ve had had more than 40 years in the water industry in the UK and South Africa, and have seen many changes and advancements during that time. It’s been a fascinating journey over the years, but the time is now right for me to retire from the sector and pass the reigns to someone else.

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“When I set up Panton McLeod in Scotland 16 years ago, I knew that it had the potential to grow into a successful company and provide expertise within the UK water industry. However, to see it go from humble origins and grow into the country’s leading water quality engineering firm fills me with great pride.

“Although it’s sad to be leaving after so many years, I’m sure Panton McLeod will be in good hands for many years to come under my son Jim, Managing Director Iain Weir and his team of directors."

Panton McLeod works with many of the UK’s biggest water companies such as Scottish Water and Severn Trent Water providing traditional drain-down cleaning projects, robotic cleaning and inspection work and high quality repairs for structures that are used to store drinking water.

In addition to its headquarters in Newtown St Boswells, the firm has an operational base in Nottingham and also an office in Denver, Colorado which is the hub for its North American division Panton McLeod Americas.

Panton McLeod managing director Iain Weir added: “Jim is one of the best-known people in the water industry and has spent his entire career at the forefront of water quality. He’s a big personality and I’m sure that many people across the country will want to wish him well in his retirement.

“We’re sad to see him leaving after all these years but looking forward to working with his son as he takes up the role of non-executive chairman.”

(GK/KMcA)