PROFILE
TEES UP !
Name
: Alison McGee Age : 52 Born : Marton , Middlesbrough Lives : Just outside Stockton Organisation & job titles : Quality director , Durata
When I was at school , I wanted to be … a dancer on a cruise ship . That didn ’ t happen !
The best business decision I ever made was … implementing the systems and processes we all work to in Durata . These are like the backbone of the company – it is so important everyone works to the same core systems , to have traceability for each department .
The worst business decision I ever made was … signing up to a HR / H & S company without reading the really small print and finding out I had committed to a seven year contract with no escape . Always read the small print .
The best part of my job is … seeing the progress of the team . Jasmine started as our very shy apprentice and now she practically runs the place ! Kaitlyn has nearly finished her apprenticeship and she is currently managing our social media and marketing . We also have some amazing electrical apprentices and can ’ t wait to take on some more .
The biggest downside of my working life is … work creeps into every day , seven days a week . Owning a business is hard work and it has been difficult to get a proper break . However , we have just come back from an amazing time touring in a motorhome and a festival . The Durata team are brilliant – they had everything in hand and enabled us to have a fab break .
If I could change one thing to help my organisation it would be … not have so many different platforms for pre-qual questionnaires ! We have ISO qualifications , Safe Contractor and Constructionline and members of the ECA . It would be great if these were enough to secure the work ( this is a selfish request because it ’ s a frustrating part of my job to fill them in !)
Four words to describe me are … hard-working , adaptable , honest , funny ( I think ).
My business mantra is … build a strong brand and deliver excellent customer service .
My greatest achievement is … being shortlisted for an award at the Tees Businesswomen Awards . There are so many fantastic women working in our region and I would not have put myself at their levels . Someone recently told me not to think that and start shouting about what I do . Everyone should have that confidence to do so but people do find it hard sometimes to blow their own trumpet , so to speak .
The advice I ’ d give to business start-ups is … don ’ t be afraid to ask for help , most business owners will have experienced what you are finding difficult . And get some processes in place .
The biggest character on the Tees business scene is … Chloe Clover is everywhere , which is a good thing ! Chloe and Lou have built an amazing brand with Wander Films – they have taken the time to get it right and have an epic team .
Teesside ’ s a great place for business because … there are so many amazing businesses to help and give advice when you need it – friendly people who have experienced starting a business and the issues that come with it .
My biggest frustration about Teesside is … the negative press it gets whenever national news gets hold of it ! They always pick the worst pictures to print . There are some amazing places to visit and so much history .
My favourite local charity is … The Teesside Charity . They work with lots of local charities and work so hard to help as many of these charities as they can .
48 | Tees Business