I have been working in Dale Farm for the past 19 years and was fortunate to rise through the ranks from initially being a machine worker to now being the factory manager of the site.

I initially completed a degree in media studies and began a short career in the media industry as an advertising sales rep before being made redundant within the first year. Whilst studying for my degree I worked in a factory environment for 5 years and really enjoyed the operational side of manufacturing.

Once the opportunity arose to apply for Dale Farm, I grabbed it with both hands. I started my career as a carton filling machine operator and after 6 months was promoted to line leader. 6 months later, I advanced to shift manager and 3 years on, became production manager for the site which was a new role and I stayed in this position for 10 years, while acting as deputy to the general manager for 5 years. During this time I undertook a range of training courses and also completed the Executive leadership course through Queens university. I also completed my second degree on a part time basis whilst working in the production manager role and attained a 1^st class honours in Managerial practice, and am currently completing a Masters.

One of my career aspirations was to become the factory manager at Pennybridge and the opportunity arose for me towards the end of last year. I was successful in being promoted to factory manager which I have been doing for the last 6 months.