HISTORIC family brewery Timothy Taylor has seen a ‘changing of the guard’.

Estate operations director Steve Robinson has retired after nearly half a century in the industry.

And he has been succeeded by Paul Turner, whom Steve recommended for the role.

Both men have worked together in the past and known each other for three decades.

Steve has only been with Keighley-based Taylor’s for two years, but during that time has overseen the transformation of a number of pubs in the brewery’s 19-strong estate.

He said: “I have been lucky enough to spend over 45 years in the licensed trade, working for nationals and family brewers.

“The last two years at Timothy Taylor’s have flown by. I shall miss my work colleagues and the day-to-day involvement with the pubs.

“I look forward to when things are back to normal and I can enjoy a pint of Timothy Taylor’s, stood by the bar with old friends and colleagues!”

Steve began his career in the industry in 1972, joining Wilsons Brewery in Manchester as a post boy when he left school.

After working in various roles he was taken on by Isle of Man-based Heron and Brearley as head of operations in 2011.

Latterly, before joining Timothy Taylor, he’d been business development manager at Robinsons Brewery since 2013.

Paul arrives at Taylor’s from Daniel Thwaites, where he spent 11 years.

His most recent role was as general manager of The Millstone, at Mellor, Blackburn, but for eight years he was an area manager responsible for looking after 50 tenanted outlets.

Pre-Thwaites, he spent a long period with Scottish & Newcastle – where his roles included regional recruitment manager and area business manager.

Paul said he was looking forward to the “challenges and opportunities” that his new role would bring.

He added: “Timothy Taylor’s has a great reputation in the industry for its family values and genuine care for its pubs and tenants. I look forward to being a part of that tradition.

“The pubs are in a great position and all eager to reopen whenever this becomes possible.

“My main task will be to build on the excellent work that Steve has done in furthering the development of the small but high-quality Taylor’s estate.

“I would like to thank Steve for his support and advice during the handover and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Tim Dewey, chief executive of Timothy Taylor, pays tribute to Steve and welcomes his successor.

He said: “Although Steve has only been with us for two years, he has played a pivotal role in the development of our pub estate and I am grateful for all of his efforts on our behalf.

“I was very pleased when Steve was able to recommend his successor, particularly after meeting Paul and seeing what a great fit he is for carrying on where Steve has left off. I very much look forward to working with him.”