Can you tell us about your career journey so far and how this promotion came about?
It would depend on how far you want to go back! I started at Hewetson Floors Limited towards the end of 1989 and have enjoyed quite an interesting journey from those days until now. My recent promotion came about when Simon Orr recognized the role I play as mentor to a great team of estimators, based on my experience in the role, and wanted me to expand on this.
Were there moments when you questioned your readiness and how did you push through?
I always question my readiness for any change as I am not a person that generally has confidence / ambition to push for more on my own. However, through my various managers / mentors over the years and the recognition of my skills, belief in me and encouragement, I have gradually gained more confidence allowing me to move on, firstly to Senior Estimator and more recently to Estimating Manager.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received and how has it stayed with you?
“…It’s only raised floors…” (David Fowler, my first ever manager and mentor at Hewetson Floors Limited – over 35 years ago!!!) – I always remember this when I am stressing about a particular problem and it usually helps me put things in perspective.
How has the company helped create an environment where people can grow and be recognised?
By being an environment in which teamwork is positively encouraged and working with the best team of colleagues I could wish to work with.
Was/Is there anyone in the business that has played a key role in your development, and what did their support mean to you?
There are too many to name, but in more recent years, Simon Orr, who has always encouraged me to believe in myself and my abilities, both commercial and technical.
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