I joined British Sugar in 1988 as a Graduate Production Trainee. The training program was thorough and you were expected to take early responsibility for managing a large operation with a skilled team. I think it was the balance between classroom theory and practical implementation that made me apply.
The first two years were very structured and provided a thorough knowledge of the role and the business. Since then, I have found the training to be flexible according to individual needs and capabilities. Over the years, I have been on a range of technical and leadership training events. They’ve helped me to better understand how to improve my performance and the team’s results in all the roles I have held.
There has never been a typical day for me. One thing about operational management and business development is that routines are rare. There’s an ever-changing business landscape and a culture of continuous improvement that keeps everyone on their toes.
The challenges in my career at British Sugar have been numerous. Leading a shift team at a young age. Understanding and influencing people from different cultural backgrounds, where language was a significant barrier. Creating a business model for a new industry (biofuels) – the list goes on. But perhaps the most satisfying point in my career came with the creation of the Vivergo Fuels joint venture with BP and DuPont. I led the British Sugar input into the business case and helped design the name and brand logo.
Despite all this, I still have many goals. Short-term, I plan to deliver an efficient and successful new plant in 2010, with a completely new team of employees. Long-term, I’d like to make a bigger contribution elsewhere in the business, using the experience I’ve gained at Vivergo – maybe something that’s not even sugar related.
The British Sugar Group is small enough to feel that you can make a big difference in a short space of time. The closeness of the group makes it easy to get to know people from all areas of the business. It is nice to be readily recognised at all levels when the working environment forms such a significant part of your life.