Kassas officially retires today (28 July) but will have a celebration and send-off with colleagues next week.

He entered the printing industry in 1987, having moved back to the UK from the Middle East. A chance involvement helping a friend working on the MIS Show resulted in Kassas being offered a job at Optichrome Computer Systems, where he became sales director.

He worked at the company for 12 years before joining Colne-headquartered MIS developer Tharstern in 1999.

“I’ve been in sales all my life and I still can’t tell the difference between sheet work and work and turn,” Kassas quipped.

“It’s been a fantastic time working with the team at Tharstern. The technology has changed, but it’s all about having trust and confidence in the product and the back-up from the team behind you.”

Tharstern managing director Keith McMurtrie described Kassas as “one of the nicest people you will ever meet”.

“He’s a true gentleman. I’ve worked with him for many years now and he’s been a phenomenal mentor to me in how to be a better person – Abdul gave me the confidence to take on the running of the company,” McMurtrie said.

“He’s a wise old bird who’s helped steer me through some turbulent times. I’ve even started to think his jokes are funny!”

Long-standing customer Phill Reynolds, the managing director at Cheadle Hulme large-format printer Cestrian, also paid tribute.

“I’ve known Abdul for 25 years and he is one of the most honest and professional guys I’ve ever met,” Reynolds said.

“Abdul is always there for advice you can trust and I have nothing but praise for him. He’s a snappy dresser and doesn’t look anywhere near old enough to be retiring. He’s made a big impact here with everyone who’s dealt with him and we wish him all the best.”

McMurtrie added that Tharstern had been inundated with good wishes for Kassas since customers had learned about his impending retirement. “The common theme is that he’s a gentleman and a bloody nice chap.”

He said the Tharstern team had also taken note of some of his top tips for success: “He always carries a tartan blanket in the car in case of emergencies, a bottle of Tabac aftershave and a discount pad. That’s all he needs.”

Kassas, who is 64, said he “loved human interaction” and his retirement plans “will not include gardening or DIY – I’ll get someone in to do that.”