Where are you from originally?
Doncaster.
What was your first job?
A Saturday shop assistant in Next with a uniform allowance, perfect for a 16-year-old!
What job(s) did you have before joining DGTT?
I worked as a nurse for several years while living in London and then opened my own transport company. Since then, I went back to Next to run their Regional Distribution Centre! From there, I moved to Wincanton prior to joining Dawsongroup truck and trailer.
When did you join DGTT?
July 2016.
What was your first job at DGTT?
My first role was Branch Sales Manager at the Doncaster depot for about 16 months before going to an interview for the Regional General Manager role for the North. I’ve been in this role for over five years and inherited Scotland two years ago.
What’s your current job and what does it involve?
As the Regional General Manager for the North of England and Scotland, I oversee 12 of the truck and trailer locations with the fantastic help of my team. It’s a truly diverse job and I am highly focused on ensuring our customers are looked after well, and that all our sites are working to the highest standards.
What’s been the highlight of your time at DGTT?
I’ve experienced multiple highlights whilst being part of DGTT. Every day you can be met with a different challenge. I especially enjoy finding solutions to customer fleet issues or advising on an array of transport subjects. I’ve lost count of the number of questions I manage daily but it’s all part of the day job!
Also, how Dawsongroup oversaw the pandemic makes me extremely proud. We navigated it as a group and we did our absolute best to support every member of the team, as well as our customers. We pulled together as a management team to take great care of everyone in the process. That’s really something to be proud of and will stay with me forever.
Let’s also throw in winning a fair few Commercial Motor awards for excellence too!
Who or what has been the main influence in your career?
I have collaborated with inspiring people over the years, so it would be difficult to mention just one person. It’s a demanding industry so a good bout of determination and keeping up to date with legislation is a key part of the job. I’m also part of a talented team – we certainly have knowledgeable people within the business.
What significant changes have you seen in the business during your time at DGTT?
The transport industry has experienced major challenges, for example labour shortages, parts shortages, increasing fuel costs, driver shortages, legislation changes, direct vision standards coming into play, plus the rapid pace and array of technology changes we have seen. Understanding how the advanced safety systems work is an advantage for us. We are very innovative and are always looking to the future - specially with zero emissions looming! As a team, we stay ahead of the game and keep well-informed so we can always advise accordingly on any of the challenges our customers face, giving solid solutions and advice is all part of the service.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to travel! I always enjoy a good show or a concert. But mainly, it’s like every other parent in the world - I do a lot of practical things like washing, ironing, cleaning and being a personal taxi service. I have three girls - Olivia, Sophie and Grace - they keep me busy despite two of them being in their 20s!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have an irrational fear of spiders, there’s not really anything else that scares me.
What’s on your bucket list?
I would love to do a safari… and on the other extreme I would like to travel down Route 66 and tour the United States!
What’s your favourite film or film genre?
I am a bit of a Tarantino fan… and you can’t go wrong with a Morgan Freeman film, he’s a great actor.
What annoys you in life?
Negativity, dishonesty and self-serve checkouts, plus bad drivers!
What’s your biggest regret?
The time I have wasted worrying about things beyond my control.