We have combined a new era for our branding and marketing with a big nod to our heritage and the people who have made significant contributions towards it.
That's because we unveiled our branding refresh on the same day as we launched our Long Service Awards programme, which began by honouring a dozen employees all with a minimum of 25 years' service.
During a lunch reception at our Oldham base, each long serving employee was awarded a commemorative certificate and a plaque.
They also receive two days' extra annual holiday for as long as they are employed.
MD Keith Wardrope told the gathering: "Today is a special occasion - special because we don't often get the opportunity to publicly thank our work colleagues for the many years' service they have devoted to HPP.
"Here alone, we have a combined total of 339 years worked by the 12 people invited today. On top of that, we have plenty of people that we hope will catch up with you one day. I believe that is a reflection on the job satisfaction and security you have felt, knowing that you are not just a number on a clock card but an important part of a family company that puts people first.
"The knowledge you have acquired over all these years is irreplaceable and this is what adds to the unique culture of HPP. I ask you to place all that invaluable expertise and experience into mentoring and helping up-and-coming colleagues so they can also make a similar contribution to all our futures."
And Keith paid special tribute to the two female employees among the group: "It's not really fair to single anyone out, but I would like to give a little mention to Carole (Hamnett-Sadler, HR Manager) and Lesley (Minshull, Sales Administrator) for working in what has been a male-dominated environment.
"Carole has supported many of us over the years and has always done it with such care and dedication. And Lesley - she is an absolute inspiration to us all. At 72, she just keeps going. She has gone through lots of changes in her career and just gets on with it."
Speaking after the ceremony Carole, who started in October 1997, said: "I came in as an apprentice from college to do the accounts. I then moved into credit control and as the company developed I moved into HR, and I've been there 22 years now.
"We've grown over the years but there's still that family feel. I still love coming to work, there's never a day when I think, I don't want to go in today."
Lesley, who started in February 1999, said: "It was mind-boggling when I started, there was that much to learn. It seemed like the amount of work was astronomical and now it's even bigger the place has grown so much. But it's a great company to work for, very family oriented."
HPP began operating when founder Malcolm Hill led a de-merger from neighbouring George Hill Timber. He was joined by his sons Martin and Stephen, who still run the business today along with MD Keith.
One of the staff who made the move from 'next door' was Production Manager Terry Shaw, who said: "When I first started, we had just one building, which is where the offices and trade counter is now, and there were about 20 of us.
"I think the Long Service Awards are a great idea. We did something for the 20th anniversary (back in 2011) and now here we are, all these years after that. It's amazing."
Transport Manager Trevor Ross, who started in 1995, added: "I had an interview with Stephen and started seven days later, I was on the wagons then. Since then everything has grown and developed.
"It's a fantastic place to work all round. The directors are there for you at all times, they listen to everybody in the company. I've always enjoyed being here and I still enjoy being here."
The Long Service Awards programme will now include all lengths of service in five-year increments with the rewards increasing with each milestone - 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. Members of each group are listed in reception and in our Inspiration Centre marketing suite behind the trade counter.
Meanwhile, the refreshed branding is part of a renewed marketing strategy devised by our long-standing marketing partner, Cornerstone Design and Marketing.
Dan Mounsey, Marketing and Business Development Director said: "It's been 33 years since HPP started and we noticed we had a significant number of people who have worked here for 20 years or more, including a dozen who have been here even longer, so we thought it was appropriate that we publicly say thank you and reward them for their loyalty.
"At the same time, we've been working with Cornerstone on a brand refresh and an updated marketing strategy, and as it's all come to fruition together, it made sense to look to the future while acknowledging those whose loyalty to HPP have helped to create what we have today."
The 12-strong cohort of employees with 25 years or more service are: Carole Hamnett-Sadler (HR), Lesley Minshull and Shankar Das (both Sales), Terry Shaw (Panel Production), Trevor Ross and Chris Pulman (both Transport), Antony Platt (Warehouse), Carl Worrall and Phil Eaton (both Vinyl Doors), Mike Dawson (Sheffield Manager), Richard Tague (Stock Doors), and Garry Paul (Sliding Doors).
Keith added: "Loyalty and dedication are something special in this day and age, when job hopping is fashionable, the continual search for better opportunities and new experiences means that staff seldom stay longer than a few years in one place."
The new-look branding has been created by Cornerstone's longest serving employee, Senior Designer Nicola Adamson, who happens to be the daughter of Martin Hill!
She explained: "HPP didn't want a total re-brand and were keen to keep certain elements to preserve the heritage and trust within their existing brand, which has stood the test of time. I've kept the core fabric of the name and brand intact due to the significant value and loyalty within it.
"After extensive research, workshops and creative development, we have created a refreshed brand identity that has evolved HPP's old branding yet is memorable and consistent. It is clean and premium in its approach, whilst maintaining a clear nod to the old brand in terms of the colour pallet and abstract 'board' shapes, which are used within both the logo itself and wider marketing materials."