How long have you been working at Parkside?
I’ve been here since March 2016, so over 8 years now!
What is a New Product Development Technician at Parkside?
My main responsibilities are supporting customers by bringing their concepts and ideas to life through packaging prototypes. I also support the marketing side of the business with photography and design, both of which put my creative skills to good use.
Describe your job in three words
Interesting – even after 8 years, there’s always something new to learn and no two days are the same.
Precise –all prototypes are handmade, and we aim to make them as close to production as possible, so attention to detail is really important (I’m also openly a bit of a perfectionist!).
Exciting – it’s always great to see new products launching and knowing you were part of that jigsaw puzzle.
What’s the best part about your job?
Working with a great bunch of people who are all passionate about what they do, both customers and colleagues.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
We’ve recently launched our new paper portfolio which has been a real long-term project, so we are receiving lots of enquiries for various applications. It’s great to see that so many people are interested in this area, as it’s something I have worked closely on.
What’s your most used productivity hack?
Writing a daily to do list instead of keeping one big list that never ends, because you know exactly what you aim to get done that day.
Best thing about being part of the Parkside team?
The people. You spend so much time at work and I feel lucky to be part of such a caring and supportive community.
Interests
I love keeping fit and being on the go, whether it’s walking, mountain climbing, or my weekly spinning class. It helps that I have a two year old and a dog to run around after too!
What was your first job?
It was in a local café where I grew up in Northallerton called Sam Turner and Sons. I started there when I was 14 years old to earn a bit of money on a weekend and didn’t officially leave until I graduated in 2013, as I used to go back and cover holidays.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard?
Don’t worry about the things that are out of your control.
Do you have any phobias?
I’m afraid of the deep sea – when you’ve gone so far out you can’t see what is beneath you. This was particularly interesting when I fell off a jet ski on holiday, far out at sea. A few days later, we heard reports of a great white shark being spotted in the exact same area I fell off!
Do you like travelling? What’s the best place you’ve visited?
I do and I’ve been lucky enough to visit quite a few places. My favourite has to be New Zealand. We spent three weeks travelling around both islands in a campervan. It’s an absolutely beautiful place.
