Paula has had a varied role with us and a unique insight as a result. Now working virtually as our assistant she helps in so many ways.
How long have you been with Lima Kitchens?
A little over 4 years.
How has your role developed in this time?
- Where do I start? My role has changed a lot in that time.
- Before we recruited Dale as a warehouse person, I did a lot of physical work with deliveries etc. including driving the van. I do kind of miss that bit, it kept me fit.
- I used to also do a lot more background paperwork but when we recruited Alex to work alongside Matt, this gave me more time to spend visiting site and checking and communicating with Customers.
- I’ve always been partly involved with processing invoices but this has now become a large part of my role as I now work remotely. I now handle a lot more of the financial processing.
- The main development is obviously that I have taken a step back from the customer communication and project management. This is due to a relocation to Pembrokeshire and a change to working hours. Ashling is now handling the projects and of course can call on me at any time for advice or assistance, especially with any queries with past jobs.
What are you enjoying most about your position as it is today?
- My part time hours are great, not only shorter days, but a shorter week. It has made me realise that the most important thing to me, is the health of body and mind. I am so glad we made the move when we did.
Which elements of your role do you miss the most?
- I miss going onsite and being able to see jobs progress from initial showroom visit to finished article.
- I miss being able to put a face to a customers name.
- I miss face to face catch ups with the team, fitters and other contractors regarding job progress. and customer queries.
- It isn’t relating to my role but I miss the team banter and activities. I do love working part time and relocation having given me the chance to pop to the beach before work, but I do miss the team. The faces, the chat, the singing (Yes Dale, the singing), the badminton, the Christmas parties.
When you look ahead to 2023 how do you see your role developing?
- To be honest I am not sure.
Having been on both sides of the fence a twice commended Lima Kitchens client and Project Co-Ordinator, what would your top tip be for future clients to make the process a stress free as possible?
- Ask as many questions as you want to, however small or ’silly’ you may think they are.
- As a customer you have a vital responsibility to read everything on your paperwork, check, check and check again before you sign it off.
- Leave it to the professionals. I am one of the worst for trying to help. Whether that be helping to lift something, helping to test something, moving something to what I may think is a better location. I would say that if someone needs your help, they will ask for it. This could be a contractor, a member of the Lima Team, a delivery driver or anyone else that could be involved in your job. Most of the time there is a hive of activity going on in the background that customers can’t see. This is so that the work can progress without the customer having to worry.
- Don’t be afraid to shout. If there is something niggling in your mind at any stage, shout it out, before it’s too late. And of course don’t be afraid to shout about how happy you are, when it’s all done and looking fab-u-lous.
