What does your company do?
Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in personal banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking; wealth and investment management. We’ve over 300 years of history and expertise in banking and employ approximately 140,000 people globally.
What do people think that your company does?
Traditionally for just depositing and withdrawing money. Barclays now offer a wide range of digital services giving customers access to their banking at any time that suits them. This frees up our time to have more in-depth customer conversations when buying a home or setting up in business.
What’s your day-to-day job?
I ensure that the six branches I’m responsible for deliver excellent levels of customer service, and play an active role in our local communities.
What was your very first job?
Waitressing in a hotel in Torquay. It taught me the importance of putting the customer first.
Can you remember what was in your very first pay packet?
£100 per week and I earned almost as much in waitressing tips on top of that!
What advice would you now give to your 16-year-old self?
Study hard, get some good qualifications behind you and then take some time and travel before you become tied down.
How long have your been in your current job and what was your previous role?
I joined Barclays in January 2011. Prior to that, I worked for Lloyds Banking Group for 25 years with the last 10 in senior management.
What does your company most pride itself for? And how does it deliver?
We pride ourselves on being the 'Go To Bank' by providing a personalised service to meet all its customer's needs.
What improvements is your company currently making?
We’re really focusing in helping customers understand our digital offering, to ensure that they can access their banking in a way which suits them 24/7.
What recent successes have you, or the business, had that gives you reasons to feel proud?
We try to lead the way and stay ahead of our competitors. We are in the process of piloting 'scissors', allowing customer to pay cheques into their accounts via a photo on their mobile phones. PINGIT has also been a revolutionary app, allowing you to transfer funds via your mobile. We regularly win industry awards and are recognised for the work we undertake in supporting communities globally.
What top qualities do you look for in the people you employ, or work with?
Integrity, professionalism, enthusiasm, commitment and drive.
Is your business currently recruiting?
Jobs are advertised on our website www.jobsatbarclays.com. We advertise both internally and externally and have a highly regarded apprenticeship scheme.
What’s your journey to work?
A 40-mile round trip from home to work and back again but I'm out and about quite a bit visiting the branches that I manage and other sites in the Cornwall and Devon area.
What would be your dream way of commuting?
By boat!
How do you like to unwind and relax after a busy week in the job?
I relax and unwind on a boat, surrounded by great friends and a nice glass of wine.
What’s your best quality?
I’m definitely a glass half full person. I always stay optimistic and see the best in people.
What’s your worst?
I’m a perfectionist and not always good at delegating.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A vet, but I think I would have become too emotionally attached.
If you could change one thing about your work environment, what would it be?
To have an office with a sea view.
In your mind, is St Austell a great, good, or not such a good place to do business?
There are potentially good business opportunities in St Austell even though the town centre would benefit from some investment. Currently, there’s a number of empty retail units and I'm hoping a wider variety of independent shops will snap them up to help bring in more custom. I understand there is now a really positive group of people who are working hard to address some of these issues and I'm keen for Barclays to be involved and supportive where we can.
