It was a big decision when I moved from my previous company, a global multi-disciplinary firm where I managed a team of building surveyors, to family business, Potter Space.
However, the opportunity really appealed to me. Instead of being a small cog in a big wheel, I knew I could become a valuable member of a smaller, yet very ambitious team with exciting plans.
Prior to joining, the company had relaunched as Potter Space and announced a £25m investment in the business over the next five years, which included the development and expansion of its five strategic UK business parks.
To help this happen I was given the role of heading up the delivery of the new units on the Ripon and Droitwich sites.
I started in my new role by working closely with the design teams to produce a masterplan for both sites, having first learnt about the existing infrastructure and how this could affect future developments.
During this time, I was also developing my industrial experience by acting as customer representative on a 27,500 square foot unit in Ripon, which is being built as additional space for our existing customer Primary Diets, which offers alternative animal feed across the UK.
What I particularly like about Potter Space is the way they take time to develop individuals working within the organisation and provide each of us with new skills. For example, within my first month I attended a family business conference in London, where I met other successful family businesses, which gave me an understanding of their approach and the way they are driven. In addition, I also plan to attend a finance course later in the year to develop my knowledge further.
It has been good fun too with a much-improved work/life balance and lots of social events, including a staff night out at Ripon races.
What I find refreshing about Potter Space is the way the company looks at the bigger picture and the long-term investment, rather than being purely driven by profit.
It really has been a great move for me, and I am loving every minute.
