Who are you, and what do you do?

I am the Office and Operations Support Manager and have been with HW (formerly Heath and Wiltshire) since 2004. I began my journey as an Invoice Clerk and have since progressed through various roles, including Personal Assistant to the Finance Director and an Area Manager. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience, supported by the guidance of the Directors. I consider myself an approachable professional who is highly focused on career growth and continuous development.

What did you do before you joined HW Facilities?

Before joining HW, I worked in a card shop. I took a career break to have my first child, and once she was old enough to attend nursery, I was given the opportunity to work in the office at HW. At the time, I had no prior office experience, so I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to begin my career in administration.

How did you get to where you are now?

My career progression is thanks to the invaluable support and mentorship of the Directors. I initially worked closely with Tom Senior, who gave me guidance and later offered me the role of his Personal Assistant. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into the business and contribute to its growth.

As I transitioned into Operations, I had the opportunity to work closely with Tom Junior, who also mentored me. Together, we built the Operations Department, which allowed me to recognise my strengths and areas for improvement. One of my greatest strengths is problem-solving—a crucial skill in operations. Today, I am proud to be a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the company’s growth and embracing the challenges that come with it.

So, what does a typical working day look like for you?

There is no such thing as a “typical” day in operations. While I may plan my schedule, the nature of the role means that every day presents new challenges. Whether it’s addressing unexpected staff absences or working on strategic initiatives to enhance the Operations Department, adaptability is key in my role.

How would you describe the working culture at HW?

I would describe the culture as flexible, creating an environment that encourages employees to find their strengths and empowers them to find a sense of purpose in their work.

How do you deal with particularly stressful days?

I manage stressful days by leaning on my colleagues for support. I am fortunate to work with a team that is always willing to listen and collaborate to find solutions. I strongly believe that our office team plays a significant role in my success, and having a supportive work environment makes all the difference.

Is there anything people don’t understand about your job that you wish they did?

Many people assume that my job is straightforward—just sitting at a desk and answering emails. However, they may not realise the level of responsibility involved, from meeting client expectations to supporting the field team and managing critical deadlines. While my role is office-based, it can be just as demanding and exhausting as any other. Some days, I leave work mentally drained from problem-solving complex challenges. That said, I truly enjoy my job, especially being the go-to person in the office. Helping my colleagues navigate challenges and find solutions is incredibly rewarding.

What are your ambitions and aspirations at work?

My ambition is to contribute to the continued growth of HW and to remain a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. I am committed to helping lead HW toward becoming one of the top cleaning companies in the UK.

If you could have anyone else’s job within HW, whose would you want?

If I had to choose another role within HW, I would love the opportunity to work with Tom Senior again. My career began under his guidance, and I know there is still so much more I could learn from him.

How has the business changed in the time you have been part of it?

Having been with HW for nearly 20 years, I have witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. What started as a small office with just two colleagues has expanded into multiple locations with a dedicated team of over 15. The evolution has been gradual yet incredibly rewarding. Throughout this time, I have seen significant changes in processes, personnel, and the areas we serve. I take great pride in being part of this journey and in HW’s growing recognition for our hard work and valuable partnerships.

What is your favourite part about your job and why?

The best part of my job is, without a doubt, the people I work with. My colleagues provide both professional and personal support, making each day enjoyable and rewarding. Their dedication and teamwork create a fantastic workplace environment.

I also thrive on problem-solving—I enjoy tackling challenges and finding solutions. The ability to resolve issues and make a meaningful impact is something I find incredibly fulfilling.

What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues?

My colleagues are a great source of support, not only in a professional capacity but also on a personal level. Whether we’re tackling challenges together or simply sharing a moment of light-heartedness, they honestly make my day better. working alongside such a fantastic team makes all the challenges feel more manageable.

What advice would you give to new HW team members?

Take the time to learn, ask questions, and build relationships. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance—everyone was new at some point. Focus on doing your best, stay open to feedback, and always be proactive.

If you could change one thing about the company, what would you change?

This is a challenging question for me, as I’ve witnessed significant changes over the years. However, if I could change one thing, it would be our online presence. I would love to see HW become more visible and well-known. It’s important to me that people recognise who we are, what we do, and how exceptional we are at it!

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?

The best advice someone has given me is to make sure to take the time for yourself and to be yourself. Sometimes I can get weighed down with a task and then it affects maybe other elements of my job and can cloud my judgement on things. Taking the time to discuss challenges with someone else helps me gain a fresh perspective, ultimately bringing clarity to the situation.

How do you achieve a balance between work and your personal life?

I prioritise making time for myself by going to the gym, as fitness and exercise have been an important part of my life for many years. Working out not only gives me the energy boost I need but also provides mental clarity. After a particularly challenging day, I can walk into the gym feeling weighed down by stress and leave feeling refreshed, and recharged.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you travel to, and why?

Travelling has never been very high on my priority list, I am more of a homebody but if I had the chance to travel anywhere then it would be somewhere like the US state, Montana or Oklahoma.

What does your perfect weekend look like?

My perfect weekend would be spending time with my two daughters and husband, at home with our dogs, Arlo (Labrador) and Theo (Chihuahua).