Happy retirement to Jez Evans: Celebrating 43 Years of Service to Blackpool

Last week marked a significant milestone in Blackpool’s environmental journey as we bid a fond farewell to Jez Evans, Enveco’s Operational Director, after an incredible 43 years of dedicated public service.

On Friday, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate Jez’s remarkable career and wish his a very happy retirement.

Together, —sharing stories, fond memories, and heartfelt well wishes. His leadership, legacy, and lasting impact on the community will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed.

A Career Spanning Four Decades
Jez began his career in 1982 as a Commercial Waste Administration Clerk at Blackpool Council.

Over the years, he played a vital role across a wide range of services including:

  • Rates and Revenues
  • Blackpool Zoo (when it was council-owned)
  • Printing and Stationery
  • Environmental Health

But it was within environmental services that Jez truly made his mark, becoming a driving force behind many of the town’s most important and innovative projects.

Key Achievements
Jez led or contributed to a number of standout projects and initiatives, including:

  • The introduction of CMS (Cleansing Monitoring System), which later evolved into the national indicators Best Value 199 and NI 195
  • Managing the transformation of Layton Depot into a waste transfer station for Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde’s green and recyclable waste
  • Overseeing the successful reintroduction of Blackpool’s domestic waste collection service after 20 years of private contract delivery
  • Leading the smooth transfer of all street scene services to Enveco
  • Acting as Head of Public Protection during a crucial 12-month transitional period

Perhaps his greatest achievement? Leading Blackpool’s Street Scene services through a period of austerity, maintaining exceptional standards with a committed and hardworking team—delivering well beyond expectations.

Jez Reflects on His Career
We asked Jez to share a few words as he embarks on his well-earned retirement:

“I have had a great career and will always be grateful to all the colleagues I worked alongside—many of whom go above and beyond every day. Blackpool Council and its leadership over the past 10 years have been remarkable, especially given the financial challenges faced (which are often quickly forgotten). To witness the current transformation and future aspirations of the town shows a clear vision—one that will maintain Blackpool’s success as the best seaside town in the country. That resilience perfectly reflects our town’s motto: Progress. I’m proud of my contribution to delivering essential services and leave with full confidence that the team at Enveco will continue to succeed for the residents and visitors of Blackpool.”

Thank You, Jez
From all of us—thank you, Jez, for your unwavering commitment, passion, and service. Your legacy will continue to inspire the work we do every day.

All the best to Blackpool’s very own Chief Litter Picker, Jez Evans!

Take a look at the great pictures of the farewell afternoon HERE.