No matter what industry you’re in, all businesses have one thing in common. It’s the people that make the difference; they are the beating heart of what we do. Without great people, there would be no end product! That’s why in some upcoming posts, we’re going to be shining the spotlight on some of our fabulous team members here at Soabar. You’ll get an insight into their working days, their career journeys, and most importantly their wonderful personalities!
This week we’re sharing our first ‘Meet the Team Monday’ interview with Helen Taylor, one of our Office Administrators based at our Soabar office in Whetstone, Leicestershire. Helen has been with Soabar for 3 years now, and she plays a vital role in ensuring our customers’ experience is a positive one. We’re so lucky to have her here! If you love finding out about the people that make a business what it is (or if like me you’re a tad nosey!) then this post is for you.
"I never used to think about labels but now when I’m out and about, I wonder how they were made and where they came from. I appreciate what has gone into it to make it a finished product we’re seeing on the shelves."
Would you mind talking us through your time with Soabar so far?
When I first started at Soabar I received training on the job, including on the management systems that we use. It was very different to any system I’d used before, so it felt like it took me a little while to get my head around. I was assigned customers to look after which has grown to be one of my favourite parts of the job! One of the things that I remember was at first when the phones used to ring, I hated answering them. Now though customers know my voice when I pick up the phone to them, even though I’ve never met them in person!
This year I’ve been enjoying getting more involved with different projects that involve complex artwork- one that I worked on last month had a Greek and Roman theme!
At Soabar it’s a great place to take on new responsibilities and keep learning new skills- everyone helps each other in the office so you always feel supported and know your question will be answered.
Was there anything that drew you to working here initially?
I was really excited to move into an office based role as previously I had a lot of experience working in retail. It was a different role to what I was used to so I could grow and learn new skills.
Describe a typical day in the office for you.
I come in and spend some time opening emails and looking through any orders that have come in overnight that need raising. After doing that I’ll reply back to customer emails and organise artwork for them. This involves putting it onto our systems, where it can be accessed by our artwork team so they can tweak it to be printed on our machines.
I’ll answer phones throughout the day, and respond to customer queries that come through via our website. When our sale reps are out and about I’ll be on the phones to them arranging quotes on behalf of a customer and sending samples out. If they need any logistics and information when they’re on the road I’ll provide it!
What songs do you listen to when driving to work?
I usually put on shuffle a Spotify playlist of my ‘liked’ songs that has so many different things on. I do love 80s and 90s Indie pop! Sometimes though I just pop on BBC Radio Leicester for the local traffic updates!!
"I work with good & approachable people"
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The thing that I enjoy the most about my role is seeing the start to finish process of a job- it’s very satisfying. I raise the orders and have input in the artwork, then in a few days time I’ll go through to our artwork department and it will be on the machines coming out as a finished label! I never used to think about labels but now when I’m out and about, I wonder how they were made and where they came from. I appreciate what has gone into it to make it a finished product we’re seeing on the shelves.
What’s your mid-afternoon pick me up?
Haha so a confession, I have a snack drawer!! It has a tray of sweets in it which I pick from- my favourites are lemon sherbets and chocolate limes. The section behind that has chocolate in- my go to chocolate bar is a Kinder Bueno.
What’s it like to work at Soabar?
It’s a great place to work because I get along with everyone in the office. I work with good, approachable people so I look forward to coming in- we have fun every day. I was quite shy at the start so it was great to be able to learn from people and receive training, especially those that have a lot of experience. If I ever have an issue I can go to them and we’ll find solutions to problems we’re having.
What are you proud of yourself for professionally?
I’m proud of how much I’ve learnt since the start of my time here- when I look back I can see just how much my knowledge of labels, machines and printing has grown over time. I’m also much more confident when doing things like answering the phones- I used to get flustered but now I really enjoy it!
What’s your favourite way to relax on an evening?
I walk my black Cocker Spaniel, Ernie, who is always super excited to see me when I get home! I then relax on the sofa watching TV- I’m currently watching Benidorm for the first time and re-watching Gavin and Stacey which is one of my all timer favourites!
You have 5 days of holiday to take. Where do you go and why?
I’d have to say Norfolk. I’ve always gone with my Mum and Dad so we have really lovely memories there. It’s familiar because we’ve been going for so long, so I can just relax and really feel like I’m on holiday as soon as we arrive.
