When Jeff Bunney was hauled before the board of Griffin Mill Garages, the last thing he expected was to be awarded a directorship of the company.

One of South Wales' oldest family firms has appointed the first ever non-family member to its board - and the appointment came as a complete surprise to Jeff Bunney, who had joined the company as a humble mechanic just six years previously.

Griffin Mill Garages is listed as one of Wales' Top 300 companies, with 70 employees and an annual turnover of £20m. After completing his apprenticeship, Jeff Bunney, who is 35 and from Caerphilly, joined the company as a technician in 1999, helping to service Peugeot cars.

He made an immediate impression on both his employers and customers, said managing director Anthony Griffin. "We knew straight away that Jeff had great potential," said Mr Griffin. "He was a thinker - someone who was very analytical in his approach, and wouldn't simply launch himself at a job. But he also had terrific people skills. He could talk to customers in layman's terms, and explain problems and how they could be solved."

Jeff soon qualified as a master technician and was promoted to quality and technical supervisor to spearhead improvements in that area.

In 2004 he was promoted to Peugeot service manager where he further improved quality, processes and profitability. Jeff was then promoted again to group service manager, where he now oversees the Kia and Skoda divisions, in addition to Peugeot.

But the ultimate accolade came when, in 2006, Jeff was rewarded with a directorship for his efforts and results. "It came totally out of the blue," said Jeff. "When I was called in to a board meeting, the last thing I expected was to walk out as a director of the company. I always enjoyed working for Griffin Mill, and it's a great employer, but I hadn't asked for a directorship because I suppose you always assume that a family business stays in the family. I'm very glad to say I was wrong! It's a great honour, and I'm very excited about the future."

Although Jeff is the first non-family member to hold a directorship of what is a proud family business, Mr Griffin says that he had no qualms about making the appointment. "We wanted to recognise the potential we saw in Jeff," said Mr Griffin. "I hope it shows a willingness to strengthen the company with the right people. You don't get on just by being one of the family. Hopefully it sends a message to other employees that if they're of the right calibre, then they can get to the top. "I'm confident that Jeff will help us to shape the future of the company so that we can prosper for generations to come."