Tell us a little bit about you and your company
I work within the John Lewis Partnership, which comprises two divisions and has a strong presence on the high street. We operate over 250 Waitrose grocery stores and more than 30 department stores across the UK.
Can you give us some background to your working career?
I’ve been with the Partnership for 22 years and absolutely love it. At Waitrose, we’re not simply employees, we’re partners. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of sustainability while maintaining mid-range pricing.
Currently, I work at the Waitrose head office as a Facilities Manager. My role involves keeping the buildings operational and delivering workspace solutions for colleagues who come into the office.
Before joining Waitrose, I was a secondary school teacher. I also ran my own flower business before having my son, and earlier in my career I managed guest houses in Uzbekistan. All of these experiences have given me a strong instinct for project management and a good understanding of different working environments.
Why are you a BID board director, and why do you volunteer your time for the local business community?
What inspires me about the board is its ability to bring together such a diverse range of businesses. We have both small enterprises and large companies like Waitrose represented, all working collectively to make a positive difference. Those differences reveal themselves in the people. The changes we help deliver make Bracknell a great, vibrant place to work. I believe in doing what you love in a place you love coming to each day, and the board really helps bring that to life through the projects we support via the Bracknell BID.
Why are you passionate about the Bracknell BID area?
I’m passionate about the Bracknell BID area because it’s a steadily improving place to work. Over the years, I’ve seen the area develop and improve through investment, innovation, and collaboration, and I’m proud to play a part in that progress.
What skills and experience do you bring to the BID board?
I bring considerable project management experience and a strong understanding of workplace dynamics across different sectors. My role in facilities management has given me in-depth knowledge of both the buildings and the people who work in them. These skills translate directly into supporting BID projects, ensuring they genuinely meet the needs of the businesses and people they affect.
What projects or initiatives delivered by the BID are you most proud of?
I particularly appreciate the BID’s focus on health and wellbeing for local employees. Initiatives like the cycling schemes and yoga sessions make a tangible difference to people’s daily lives. Members of my team have told me how much the yoga classes have helped them recharge during the day. Supporting wellbeing not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the businesses they work in. Healthy employees create a healthy company.
What difference do you hope the BID will have made in the next five years?
I’ve only recently joined the board and am keen to gather more feedback from local businesses and employees about what they need. However, I’m very excited by what I’ve seen the BID accomplish so far, and I look forward to contributing to its continued impact.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy practising yoga at a private studio near my home and swim five or six times a week at the local gym. I also love reading and going for walks.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Think big. Whether you’re strategizing or planning for the future, don’t ever be afraid to have ambitious ideas. As long as you have a vision, you’ll always know which direction to go.