We sat down with a few women from around The Bristan Group to find out their stories and journey to where they are now. In this article, we chat with Logistics & Service Lead, Sarah Yates, who has been at the Bristan Group for 18 years this coming June.
How did your journey at the Bristan Group begin?
“I originally started in sales inputting in 2006. I was in that role for just over 2-years before moving to a Logistics Admin role where I looked after logistics, returns, and stock levels. In 2012 I moved down to the warehouse, doing the same role but in a different team. Over the years, my role there developed and grew. We started taking international orders which involved arranging a new transport option and customs documents. As a result of that shift, I was able to gain level 3 and level 4 qualifications in international trade with the Institute of Export and International Trade.”
What did you do before joining the Bristan Group?
“I previously worked in a call centre – that’s where I met my husband. I spent 2 years there. Prior to that, I worked for a large supermarket chain while I was finishing school.”
How did you first hear about the Bristan Group?
“There was an advert in the local newspaper for the sales and customer service teams. I went for a full-day interview and was offered the option of a role in either sales or customer service – I chose sales. The Bristan Group is a really good company to work for, it’s really the people who make it. Some come and go but most stay for the long haul. I enjoy my job, it’s very varied and there’s always something new to learn or a way to develop.”
What do you love most about your job?
“The variety. No two days are ever the same. I also enjoy the challenges that come with my role.”
Tell me about your role here. What’s a typical day?
“I look after a variety of things on the day-to-day. Claims handling, invoicing from our couriers and delivery partners, data analysis, reporting, and checking orders are just a few of my responsibilities. I’ll arrange any urgent imports, send product samples out to our international customers, and look after any additional exports of products and spare parts too.”
What is your proudest achievement whilst working at the Bristan Group?
“Doing my level 3 and level 4 qualifications in international trade while still working full time – the second of those was done through lockdown which added an additional challenge. I achieved a Distinction in both!”
What are your ambitions? What’s next for your role?
I am now Logistics & Service lead and have one other person in my team. I'd like to continue to develop myself in a leadership role whilst supporting the development of my team member and department. Supporting our customers is a key aspect as they make us who we are so my goal is always doing what we can to make their experience of the Bristan Group the best it can possibly be.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Take one day at a time. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you. Don’t let the stress get to you. Do what you can.”
What’s the team like?
“The whole team work well together and closely with other teams in the wider department. You’re able to communicate, be listened to, and talk things through with one another if you’re struggling. I love the variety of my job and how it’s developed. There’s always something new, you’re always given opportunities, and always listened to.”
If you could invite three people (dead or alive, real or fictional, famous or not) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
“Tom Hardy, David Jason, and Johnny Depp.”
Finally, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?
“Ride it out. Learn how businesses and different people work. Things change and you’ll meet a lot of personalities so learn what makes people tick and don’t try and approach everyone the same.”
Look out for more of our International Women’s Day articles, featuring other women from around The Bristan Group.
