Teesside Trailblazers

John Morfield

September 20th 2023

Ever since Peter Johnston’s initial seedling of an idea to serve its chemical companies more than 60 years ago, the Teesside community has remained a steadfast presence in John Morfield’s ever-evolving business landscape.

Today, the firm’s Thornaby head office boasts a workforce of 40 employees, with a significant majority originating from the Teesside area. John Morfield has long championed the employment of school leavers and young talent, offering opportunities through National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), modern apprenticeships and City & Guilds-accredited training programmes. What’s truly remarkable, beyond the impressive recruitment from the Teesside community, is the company’s ability to retain its employees.

While filtration may not initially strike outsiders as an exciting field, head office employees have collectively accumulated an astonishing 662 years of service, averaging more than 16 years per employee. This impressive feat can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, filtration, in its peculiar way, possesses an unexpected allure. A mere six-month stint at John Morfield is all you need to get the bug – from there on you’re guaranteed to have an enduring fascination with all things filters!

Secondly, John Morfield’s unwavering commitment to promoting talent from within ensures the retention of exceptional individuals.



And finally, once you find yourself entrenched within the organisation, rhapsodising about differential pressures and liquid membrane filter cartridges, you can count on John Morfield to support your personal growth.
To date, the company has financed the education of 12 employees through modern apprenticeships and advanced qualifications.

But who are the Teessiders who have contributed to that impressive tally of distinguished employment with John Morfield? Among them, Joanne Gettings and Tony Plews deserve honourable mentions for their remarkable 34 years of dedicated service. Joanne, who joined the company as a trainee, has ascended the ranks to become the office sales manager, overseeing a bustling administrative department.

Tony, from humble beginnings, now manages inventory exceeding £2m while effectively coordinating the demands of customer requirements within the sales department. When combined with Jonathan Crabtree, these three Morfield veterans account for more than a century of loyalty to the company.

Additionally, valued senior sales colleagues Sarah, Rachel, and Linsey collectively amass 70 years of experience, each having joined John Morfield as school leavers and attained Level 3 NVQs in Business Administration. Meanwhile, Hope, Zoey, Ryan, Nikola, Tom and Jenny contribute a total of 58 years and counting. Their journey followed a similar trajectory, with recruitment from local institutions and the acquisition of Level 3 NVQs and AAT qualifications.

John Morfield further sponsored their professional development, with Ryan obtaining certification from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and, more recently, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Certificate. Nikola embarked on an accountancy path, receiving sponsorship from John Morfield to achieve Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 4.

Lastly, Joshua Cuthbert, an employee for the past eight years, has proven there are no limits to professional development within the John Morfield ranks. Joshua initially joined the firm with an NVQ in Business Administration and Customer Service, rapidly progressing to attain a Level 4 in Procurement. He then embarked on a journey with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), conquering levels 3, 4, 5, and 6 and ultimately achieving chartered status in 2022.

Not stopping there, John Morfield currently sponsors Joshua’s pursuit of a BA (Hons) in Business Management, leaving everyone wondering where his thirst for knowledge will lead him next.



Reflecting on his experience, Joshua expresses his appreciation for working in an organisation that heavily invests in its human capital, improving the prospects of young individuals, retaining talent and ultimately gaining a competitive advantage. He believes this approach benefits both employees and employers, creating a win-win situation.

However, John Morfield’s commitment to the Teesside community extends beyond the walls of its Thornaby headquarters. The company actively sponsors grassroots football teams and owes much of its involvement to director Stephen Johnston’s unwavering passion for the beautiful game. This dedication has led to John Morfield proudly becoming a member of the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, which strives to raise aspirations and improve the lives of people in local communities.

In addition, John Morfield sponsors local netball and football teams and supports a young driver in a junior karting league. The company’s staff also participate in charitable endeavours, such as a sponsored coast-to-coast bike ride that raised more than £17,000 for the Renal Department at James Cook University Hospital. Colleagues also sponsored Nikola Bentley’s participation in the London Marathon, contributing to a fundraising total of £19,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Ultimately, John Morfield stands as a testament to the idea that an organisation’s strength lies in the sum of its parts. Its deep-rooted connections to the Teesside community and commitment to lifelong careers have allowed it to continue serving as a vessel for local talent and making a positive impact.

In fact, through the community ethos that John Morfield encourages, it’s no surprise that the story is the same across its other locations in Bellshill, Scotland, and Cork, Ireland.

John Morfield’s considerable legacy in Teesside is defined by its investment in the community, dedication to employee growth and active sponsorship of local initiatives. As the company thrives, so too does the Teesside area and its people, demonstrating the profound impact a business with strong community values can achieve.