As October draws to a close, Premier Forecourts and Construction will say farewell to one of its longest-serving and most respected team members, Glen Odgers. After almost 30 years with the company, Glen will be moving on to a new chapter — marking the end of an era for both him and Premier.
Born and bred in Leeds and now living in Wakefield, Glen joined Premier almost three decades ago, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a tank drilling engineer. Before joining the company, he had already travelled extensively — visiting Germany, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey to train operatives in the use of specialist drilling equipment and even drilling live tanks in Bahrain for the Bahrain National Oil Company. Glen then expanded his expertise into pipe fitting, undertaking training with a range of leading pipework manufacturers, becoming an indispensable member of the Premier workforce.
Glen’s role evolved through the years, and he eventually became a Site-based Contracts Manager — though his heart always remained in hands-on work. When health issues arose a few years ago, Premier supported him through recovery, offering a role that was less physically demanding. True to form, as soon as he was able, Glen was back on site, sleeves rolled up, leading by example once again.
Reflecting on his time with Premier, Glen says it’s impossible to pick a single highlight. “I’ve worked on so many sites and alongside so many great individuals and teams over the years — it’s hard to choose just one standout memory. The people are the best thing about Premier, and they’re what I’ll miss the most.”
Over the years, Glen has gained many qualifications and accreditations, including SMSTS, Forklift, 360 Machine (up to 10 tonne), Dumper (up to 5 tonne), PASMA, Confined Space, and certifications in Upp, Durapipe, and KPS pipework systems.
He’s also seen the industry evolve dramatically during his time. “The biggest change has been in health and safety,” he says. “When I started, it wasn’t unusual to see people working in shorts and a vest. Now, we have full PPE and a strong emphasis on safety and wellbeing — including mental health. It’s great to see how far things have come.”
As for what’s next, Glen insists this isn’t a retirement. “I’ve got a few things lined up — my wife’s already got jobs planned for me around the house,” he laughs. “But I’ve got my fingers in a few pies and haven’t made any firm plans yet.”
Asked whether he would recommend Premier as a place to work, Glen doesn’t hesitate: “Yes, absolutely. They’ve always been good to me and supported me, especially during tough times with my health.”
Steve Evans, our Managing Director, paid tribute to Glen’s contribution:
“Glen is a legendary figure in our company and industry, renowned for his stature, dedication, and relentless work ethic. His departure is a significant loss, but he has truly earned this next chapter through years of hard work. I am deeply grateful for his unwavering support and loyalty to the company.”
After 30 years of service, Glen’s departure leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, camaraderie, and commitment — qualities that embody what Premier Forecourts and Construction stands for. He may be stepping away from the tools, but his impact will remain part of the company’s story for many years to come.
