Case Study: Meet Liz
Liz Watts is Head of Administration. In January 2010 she completed nine years at the company. So what attracted Liz to Bourne back then?
"I worked for a timber preservation company as an Office Manager when a friend suggested I meet the Managing Director, as she knew he was looking to hire somebody. I warmed to him and the way he described the company immediately. It's very important to me that I work for people with ethics, who want to do things the right way."
Over the years, Liz has fulfilled an astonishing number of roles. Starting as a receptionist doing secretarial work she's been involved in running the Group's publicity, corporate events to ultimately building and heading up the administration department.
"One of the great things about working at Bourne is the diversity and the freedom to change roles. Whenever I've asked for more responsibility or to pursue something new, I've never been told 'No'."
Liz obviously has a natural ability to organise and manage. Twin talents that the Directors have been quick to exploit.
"I was asked to find our new premises in Harrogate from scratch! It meant supervising everything from the interior design, fit out and furnishing to IT and the opening event. It was great fun, I loved it."
Liz obviously enjoys wearing a host of different hats. Controlling capital expenditure outside project related costs, assisting the Health & Safety co-coordinator, being Fire Warden, managing cleaners and ensuring there's plenty of cake on birthdays are among Liz's many roles.
"No two jobs are the same. So every day is different. And I'm lucky with my team. If I'm really busy, I can always rely on them to muck in. I work with some lovely people. Many I regard as friends, and there aren't too many companies where you can say that about colleagues."
Pushed to find a downside to work, Liz really struggled.
"That's a tough one. I really do enjoy coming to work."
Surely there must be something? The coffee? Or the type of loo roll?
"I source both the coffee and the toilet roll, so no, they're great!"
It seems Liz has work sorted. For everyone at Bourne. Not just for her.