1: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL?
A:
Probably maths or business studies, but really my favourite thing at school was running the tuck shop and talking!
MAKE TIME FOR FUN
2: WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO, AND WHY?
A:
I’ m not sure I had one. My mind is like a butterfly and it floats off too much to pin down one hero!
3: HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A:
Watching how hard my parents worked and how resilient they were helped me grow into a strong independent woman. I wasn’ t particularly academic, so went down the YTS route with placements at the council and then Bishop Auckland College. I eventually landed in a community role, that’ s when I found what I really loved. In 2002 I joined PCP and I’ ve been in my current role for 12 years, and I still go to work excited at the prospect of what the day might hold.
4: WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ORGANISATION ON AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK AND WHY( EXCLUDING YOUR OWN)?
A:
Ooh that’ s tough, there are so many great businesses to choose from. Probably The Work Place, it’ s a great space to meet, hang out or find a quiet corner to work from. The team are welcoming and can’ t do enough for you.
5: WHICH AYCLIFFE BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL DO YOU TIP FOR FUTURE SUCCESS?
A:
That’ s an even harder question! I think the new Community Hub in the town centre will be a huge success. Lifeline Community Action has done a fabulous job taking an idea and making it a reality.
6: WHAT’ S THE BEST BUSINESS DECISION YOU EVER MADE?
A:
To partner with the“ big players”- and in my world, this is the NHS. It’ s been a tough partnership, but we’ ve learnt so much about how each other work, our cultures and brought this together to truly integrate what we do. Our relationship is still going strong.
7: WHAT’ S THE WORST DECISION YOU’ VE EVER MADE?
A:
Probably overpromoting someone. I quickly learnt that just because someone is good at their job, it doesn’ t mean they can cope at a more strategic level; leadership doesn’ t come naturally to everyone.
8: IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A:
The car park! I know that sounds daft, but honestly my organisation is wonderful, forward-thinking, happy to embrace change and try things out, but the car park is too small and needs an overhaul.
9: ARE YOU AN EARLY RISER OR A NIGHT OWL?
A:
A bit of both. I like to be up early to catch up on emails and paperwork, but if I need to concentrate on a report or tender I prefer to work through the night.
10: WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS MANTRA?
A:
Make time for fun and in the immortal words of Wham!,“ Enjoy What You Do”.
11: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A SMALL STARTUP?
A: Be a sponge- listen to others’ experience, pause and reflect regularly, follow your head and heart equally but be true to your idea or concept.
12: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A:
More of the same, but with a shift over time to retire or move to consultancy work. My husband, Andy, retired a couple of years ago and I am a little jealous, particularly when the sun is shining.
13: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR ORGANISATION?
A:
PCP never stands still, so new services at the Pioneering Care Centre, supporting Together 21 to hopefully become a Regional Centre of Excellence for Down syndrome. More expansion for outreach projects, hopefully with new day services in Seaham and Stockton starting soon.
14: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE PRIME MINISTER IF YOU SAW HIM ON AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK?
A: Review the National Curriculum, allow flexibility for a skills-based curriculum, including basic life skills such as listening, self-awareness, lateral thinking and problem solving. Also fix the mental health support for young people so they can build resilience- they are our employees of the future.
15: WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL CHARITY?
A: Obviously PCP, our mission of‘ health, wellbeing and learning for all’ gives us the flexibility to deliver lots of different projects and services. I also love working with others and helping out where I can – Missed A Beat, Neville Community Centre, Sisters of Support and Bridge Creative are all fab.
16: WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT?
A:
I love The County at Aycliffe Village and The Bay Horse at Middridge, both nice, relaxed pubs with decent food.
17: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL EVENING MEAL?
A:
Probably steak with a jacket potato, salad and a good bottle of red wine. Followed by Cadbury Dairy Milk, or CDM as we call it!
18: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
A: Who doesn’ t enjoy a nice holiday? Whether it’ s with friends or family or me, Andy and Robson( our Beagle) it is great to get away for a change of scenery.
19: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM, AND WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR?
A:
My favourite film is Chicago( my husband can’ t stand it, whereas I could watch it on repeat). And my favourite actor changes all the time – Helen Mirren in MobLand was great.
20: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF?
A:
Small acts of kindness. If everyone made a concerted effort to be nice as we go through our day, society and communities would be less lonely, happier and ultimately healthier. Pretty simple, but it can go a long way.
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 13