Tell us a little about your Stonegate journey (from when you first joined)
I started at Stonegate in 2004, when I was just 22, and it was called Enterprise Inns. I had worked in pubs for seven years prior to joining, from Waitress/Barmaid to Deputy Manager. I knew I wanted to stay in the hospitality industry, but in a different part of the business. I joined on a three-month contract in the Call Centre, which eventually turned into 10 years doing various sales and customer service roles within the department.
During the last few months in the Call Centre, I was part of the UAT (User Acceptance Team) for our new online ordering system. This then led to me being awarded the role of managing the whole system, which sat within the procurement team at the time. I was responsible for all the products, promotions, and advertising on the system. Eventually, the management of this system was relocated to the call centre, giving me the opportunity to explore my new role as Buying Executive.
In 2016, I went on MAT leave to have my first baby boy. Six months later, I discovered I was expecting another baby, so I only returned to work for a few weeks before starting my second period of MAT leave.
After having my boys, I knew I wanted to come back to work, but with them being so little, I was only looking for part-time hours, which unfortunately were unavailable on the Procurement Team. Luckily for me, there was a vacancy on the Welcome and Support Team, which was perfect for me, so I took the opportunity.
After working on the team for a couple of years, the Team Leader role became available. I was encouraged to go for it, and I’m pleased to say I was successful and haven’t looked back since. No two days are ever the same on the Welcome Team, which is why I love it so much. I work with so many fabulous people, not just my own team, but also people from across the whole business.
During the last 20 years, I have made so many happy memories with so many wonderful people.
Tell us about your favourite memory with Stonegate.
There are so many; the company conferences were always a highlight of the year. Alton Towers and Celtic Manor, but the best one had to be our trip to Marbella. The conferences were always a great way to meet people from around the business who you might not normally get to speak to.
Why have you decided to stay with Stonegate for so many years?
I have spent most of my adult life with Enterprise Inns, Ei Group Plc, which is now Stonegate Group. I feel like I have done all my growing up here and can’t imagine another way of life in another industry. The company offers many rewards and support in so many different areas of your life, not just work, and it is a fun place to be.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out at Stonegate, what would you say?
After 20 years with the business, I have seen a lot of changes, but you just have to embrace them. Take them as an opportunity to try new things, and don’t be afraid to offer suggestions to make improvements. Work is what you make of it, enjoy it!
