At the age of eighteen, Bruce Shaw joined the Company over five years ago as a n insurance clerk in the staff department. When the first houses were built on Bata estate he was put in charge of collecting rents and electricy payments from residents. In addition he managed St Clere's Hall and the Old Rectory which provided living accomodation for unmarried fellow-workers before Community House was built.
Mr Shaw's duties increased as the estate rapidly grew and he was finally transferred from the staff department to become housing manager.
When Community House was completed, he arranged the furnishing of the rooms and a short while after its inception he was appointed hotel manager.
The housing estate grew from a few semi-detached houses to a large colony of nearly one hundred and fifty houses, and Mr Shaw continued as housing manager until October, 1938.
Then he was transferred to the catering section of Community House and after an initial period in the stockroom, Mr Shaw was promoted to buyer of all supplies for the dining hall and restaurant.

In the Bata Record dated 16th June 1939:

Bata Community's Popular Secretary.

Last week, Mr Bruce Shaw, well-known fellow-worker from the buying department, was appointed secretary of Bata Community Benevolent Scheme and the Welfare Scheme, a post which he is well suited to fill. His experience of the social and welfare side of the company has been considerable during his six years at East Tilbury. He has worked in the staff department, housing section, catering department and for a time he was acting sports' and social manager. We trust that members of the Community will give Mr Shaw their whole hearted support while he is working on their behalf.