What does your current role involve?

It’s very varied. I help set and guide the strategic direction for the business, which has evolved along with the significant growth that we’ve had since Avove became a standalone company. I run a number of projects that focus on making Avove a great place to work, and a company with a clear vision and goals across areas such as sustainability, customer experience or performance & insight. I also get to work closely with our clients to help them achieve their own ambitions, something I love doing; helping Northumbrian Water mobilise their exciting Living Water Enterprise Operating Model, for example.

What’s the best thing about working at Avove?

This is a business with a vision and an intent to do things the right way. It’s an upwardly mobile company that values and rewards ambition.  I’ve also been allowed to make mistakes and learn from them; something where I’ve had plenty of experience!  I’ve never had to ask for recognition, it is always proactively offered, which makes me feel extremely valued.

To be given significant responsibility at a reasonably young age is a strong selling point. If you’re a young person looking for a career where you can make a real difference, I can wholeheartedly say that you will be given that opportunity at Avove.

If you could pick one highlight of your career so far with Avove, what would it be?

The chance to manage the transition from Amey and the mobilisation of Avove. The management team backed me to do a good job despite my inexperience and I am very proud of the work that the wider team and I did.  There were many late nights and days where we didn’t think we’d get over the line. That feeling of accomplishment on transaction day was one I would like to bottle up and experience all over again!  

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into your line of work?

I think you can split the answer into two parts.

My advice to anyone looking at the utilities sector would be to look past the headlines. You have an opportunity to shape the future of an industry that will be at the heart of this country’s future, and one which has the chance to be at forefront of sustainable innovation.  

As for someone looking to get into Strategy and Business Improvement, it’s a great entry point into a business because you’ll get a very broad view from the outset, which means you’ll be in a privileged position to learn. My advice: take that opportunity, ask questions, make mistakes and find out what really makes you tick.