This issue, we meet Highfield’s Distribution Manager, who recently celebrated 10 years’ service with the company.

Highfield’s Distribution Manager: Rita Nicholson

What is your role at Highfield?
I manage the Distribution Department for Highfield.co.uk Ltd and HABC, overseeing the distribution of all Highfield.co.uk and HABC’s customer orders and correspondence in the UK and worldwide. I also manage the preparation and delivery of all materials for exhibitions and seminars.

What did you do before joining Highfield?
Before I came here in 1999, I held managerial positions in a variety of enterprises in Doncaster. I was director of one company and proprietor of another. My sister Barbara joined the company a few weeks earlier. She was kind enough to let me know that Richard Sprenger (then, formally Highfield's MD and current Chairman) needed someone to manage the accounts. Happily, I fitted the bill!

What was it like to be a part of the company’s early days?
As the company grew, I handled both the accounts and the packing of orders. I worked on the accounts at the office each morning and then, when the company acquired its first Distribution Centre, I would spend the afternoon there.

Please describe a “day-in-the-life” in your job.
I usually look at the jobs in hand for the day and discuss any additional tasks with staff. We prepare products for shipping, and decide how orders will be sent. I investigate any problems with postal couriers to ensure any issues are rectified, and take deliveries of goods from suppliers. I purchase stationary or equipment as required for the DC and the Highfield and HABC offices. At busy times, I also check orders when extra help is needed in the packing room.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Providing first class customer care, training colleagues to help them to produce their best work, and keeping our company directors fully informed.

What special projects or experiences have you particularly enjoyed?
There have been so many, but the first order of materials we sent to a major UK retail chain was a real milestone achievement. I also have great memories of attending the Doncaster Chamber Business Awards in 2001 when Highfield won the Export Award, which was a great achievement for a company which at that time had less than 50 employees. It was wonderful to share in the celebrations.

How have things changed at Highfield during your time here?
It’s been a huge pleasure to see the company grow and to be part of that process. To see a small enterprise turn into a world leader, and to feel that I’ve had a role to play in that, is extremely satisfying.

Have you ever had to deal with any odd deliveries or items at the DC?
About six years ago, one of our large retail customers returned some goods to us and, for some reason, chose to include a batch of 30 handbags. Despite our best efforts we couldn’t persuade them to take the handbags back and so they are still here to this day!

What are your hobbies and interests outside work?
I have two grown-up children, Gavin and Laura, and one grandchild, Lola. My husband Bob is the captain of Doncaster Golf Club and I have enjoyed the social life representing the club with Bob at home and away.