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What was your job when you first joined the business?

My mum takes full credit for my 35 years long service with the business! Back in the day, she’d seen a recruitment evening at Bettys Harrogate being advertised and suggested I go along.

I started my Bettys & Taylors journey at Head Office above the Bettys Harrogate branch as a receptionist/purchase ledger clerk.

Can you tell us more about your career at Bettys & Taylors so far?

I’ve had a range of different roles in my time here. After I had been with the business for about a year, I transferred to Taylors as part of the accounts team and stayed on as an accounts supervisor. I also did a BTEC in Business and Finance and obtained my AAT qualification. After a couple of years, I became the Accounts Manager, and stayed in that role for nearly 20 years!

The time came when I felt like I needed a change but wanted to stay in the business as I could never think of working anywhere else. I have never looked at working for another company, which is a testament to how varied my work life has been. In 35 years, I’ve never been bored!

In 2011 I then made the move into my current role as the Hospitality Manager. In this role, I’ve been involved in a variety of projects that have brought about significant change, for example, the extension of the ground floor area of Pagoda House, home to the Taylors business. This was a major project which has enabled all the Taylors teams to be together in one building, as well as the refurbishment of our staff café.

What is your favourite memory or achievement during your time here?

I was one of the first people in the business to request a career break nearly 30 years ago; I travelled around Australia and worked with the Australian Conservation Trust for five weeks of my  three month trip.

In 2005, I was asked to escort two Women’s Institute members who had won a competition to visit the trees that were being planted by Oxfam on our behalf in Ethiopia. It was the most amazing trip and very emotional, especially meeting some of the people living in the village where we had made such an impact.

I attended several WI AGMs following the trip to share my Ethiopia and Trees for Life experience with over 1,500 women. I hate public speaking, so this was a real challenge – I felt so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone.

Becoming a 1:1 developer has also been a great highlight as I love this aspect of my role! I get to meet different people from around the business and work with them on areas they want to develop. It is so rewarding to see people’s growth and change along the journey. 

How would you describe working at Bettys & Taylors?

You really feel a sense of belonging and this is brought about by inclusion and how your opinion is sought after and appreciated.  

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I turned my love of finding the perfect holiday into a hobby by training to become a travel agent in September 2022.  I make savings on my own travels but I also book for friends and family.  When I’m not sitting on a beach or on a cruise ship, you will find me at the gym or jogging around the beautiful treelined streets of Harrogate.