As someone who will be spending lots of time communicating with our team, the industry and our community, let’s get to know her a little more…
- As a communications coordinator, what are your main responsibilities?
Anything that shouts about what we do! Writing press releases, dealing with media enquiries, telling our story on social media and working on internal communications.
I manage events, and work closely with the Hight Tide Foundation helping to inspire the next generation – something I love to get involved with.
My role is extremely varied; one minute I can be planning a fundraising event and the next I’ll be writing an award submission or liaising with a politician’s press team for an upcoming visit. That’s what makes every day so rewarding and exciting – I genuinely don’t know what the next one will hold. - What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variation of not only what I do, but what I can be talking about.
I had no idea about all the different roles and functionalities around and port and now I’m passionate about promoting them. I’ve spent time working with the Apostleship of the Sea and Mission to Seafarers charity learning about the vital services they provide to workers at sea, and I’ve spent time patrolling the dock in one our harbour police cars. No two days are the same, but no matter who you’re meeting within the business, they’re always a friendly face. - What challenges do you face?
Learning about everything! Being new to the industry, I had no idea about the difference between a ro-ro berth or a lo-lo berth at the dock, or what it meant to be the Statutory Harbour Authority, but I’m learning every day. - What brought you into communications?
I studied media and journalism at Northumbria University, graduating with first class honours in 2016.
During my studies I was fortunate enough to be offered some incredible opportunities, including an internship at Newcastle United Football Club, reporting on the Rugby World Cup and even working as a start list editor for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Sharing stories has always been a passion and PD Ports has so many that the role was perfect for me! There’s definitely a lot to learn, but luckily I love a challenge. - What are you looking forward to in your role at PD Ports?
Working with people on projects around the country. We are such a broad business with customers all around the world, so being involved in some of the ongoing projects, seeing them from start to finish, will be really exciting.
My aim is to bring fresh ideas and a new point of view to the business and as a woman in what has traditionally been a male-orientated industry, I want to be able to show that it’s an excellent business with opportunities for anybody. - What do you love about where you live?
I’ve grown up and lived in the Tees Valley my entire life (university notwithstanding – although I was only up the road still) and love everything it has to offer. From the beach at Saltburn to Roseberry Topping and the bustle of Middlesbrough town centre, we really have it all on our doorstep. I’m really proud to call it home and to now be part of one of the largest businesses in the area.
Quick fire round
Q: What’s your favourite way to relax?
A: Cinema – I love getting engrossed in a good movie.
Q: What’s your favourite food?
A: Pasta in any way, shape or form. I lived on pasta and cheese at university and I think I must still be that student at heart.
Q: Where is your favourite place to visit?
A: This is so tough as the world is a large place and I love to travel to new places, but I would have to say New York – it’s everything from the movies and more.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Not yet – I’ve been working on getting a dog for a while now!
Q: How would your colleagues describe you?
A: Probably quite quiet – what they don’t know is that I’m just warming up!
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: Accents. Although my friends and family may disagree…
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: Bubbly, dependable, ambitious
Q: Do you have any quirks?
A: I’m deeply terrified of clowns!
