OUR LONG-SERVERS
Jul 17, 2019
It’s the people of Crest Plus who make our organisation such a great place to work. In this, our 20th anniversary year, we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to some of our longest-serving team members.
Paula Smith, Payments Team Manager
Current job title and short summary of what your job entails
I’m the Payments Team Manager – I am responsible for making sure that the invoicing and the payments are running smoothly across the whole team and dealing with any issues that could cause delays – as well as running some of the payroll and invoicing myself. We all get involved on this team!
When did you join Crest Plus?
I joined Crest Plus in May of 2005.
Any changes of note which you’ve experienced in that time?
It was a very different time. We still received a lot of faxes, mobile phones were used for calls rather than being cameras/social calendars and Netflix was a brand new company that sent out DVDs in the post! Back then we were still registering people in composite companies so they were paid mainly via dividends. There was a lot less admin involved in being compliant and expenses were a lot easier to claim!
What roles have you held in the company?
What haven’t I done! I started off in the expenses team, moved quickly into calling people to get them registered, from there I jumped to calling new agencies to get them set up and then I started helping out with payments on various teams which eventually led me here. It was a winding road but I feel that all of that experience has served me well. I feel like I really know the company. After this amount of time, I should!
Share 3 good things about working at Crest Plus?
The people. It sounds corny but I can’t imagine working with a better team. There is always support when you need it and people really care about each other. The social side of the company is also a big plus, we work hard but we’re rewarded with annual race days, a Christmas party and regular events both in and out of office hours to raise money for charity or just to socialise with each other away from the office. Crest Plus is very different to previous places I’ve worked in that we are given a lot of information about where the company is and where we’re hoping to go. It’s good to have that feeling that you’re genuinely involved.
Is there a particular achievement you’re proud of?
From a personal point of view I’m proud of developing to a point where I’m managing other people. When I first started here, I would not have imagined myself in this position – I only planned to stay until I found my feet, but it’s a hard place to leave!
Ben Peel, Finance Officer
When did you join Crest Plus?
April 7 2003.
Any changes of note which you’ve experienced in that time?
I have experienced multiple changes to legislation and therefore company structure moving from operating heavily in Limited Companies and CIS. Limited Companies moving to Umbrella and then, under the false Self-Employment legislation, the movement of CIS registered workers to Umbrella. The re-emergence of CIS contracts as a better understanding of the legislation has become available. The company has undergone various brand changes and I have seen the coming and going of 5 different operating database systems.
What roles have you held in the company?
I have operated in multiple roles within the company including CRM, Team Leader and a joint Payments and Systems Role. Now my role incorporates a split with majority of it Finance related but a proportion being Payments related.
Share 3 good things about working at Crest Plus?
Camaraderie, relaxed atmosphere and striving to be the best.
Is there a particular achievement you’re proud of?
Survival and (at times) flourishing in a tough industry!
Claire Kelly, Payroll Coordinator
Current job title and short summary of what your job entails
Payroll Coordinator – my main responsibility is raising the invoices for the agencies we deal with in a timely manner and processing the weekly payments to our employees and sub-contractors.
When did you join Crest Plus?
What seems like a lifetime ago………15th September 2003
Any changes of note which you’ve experienced in that time?
Many!! Legislation changes, system changes, team changes…….it keeps you on your toes.
What roles have you held in the company?
Administrator and Payroll Coordinator.
Share 3 good things about working at Crest Plus?
Definitely my colleagues – I’ve made some lifelong friends here, Crest Plus events such as the Christmas party, Chester Races, quarterly night outs (which also helps with the colleague bonding) and the fact that there are always learning experiences…….oh, and Sarah’s and Paula’s cakes!
Is there a particular achievement you’re proud of?
It’s not an achievement of mine as such but being part of the Crest team. When we’re faced with challenges, the company always comes together and I think being part of that is something to be proud of. I didn’t expect to still be working here 16 years on and the fact I am shows that it really is a different kind of place to work.
Sarah Jordan, Business Assistant
Current job title and short summary of what your job entails
Business Assistant – We’re responsible for the preparation and completion of Tax returns along with taking care of the administration needs of the business. We also act as a support for other teams due to the experience we have in other roles.
When did you join Crest Plus?
September 2004 straight from school
Any changes of note which you’ve experienced in that time?
There have been far too many changes to mention over the last 14 years, especially surrounding the business models and legislation changes!! I’ve worked on around 4 or 5 systems since starting at Crest and have seen the business evolve massively. I’ve just about done every role in Crest other than payroll (watch this space!!) so I’ve been able to work in so many different teams and experience an awful lot.
What roles have you held in the company?
I started as an Apprentice Administration Assistant whilst studying for an NVQ2 in Business Administration. I was able to work 4 days a week and have one day in college until I qualified. I’ve since been a Liaison officer, Expenses Administrator, Expenses Auditor, Tax & Accounts Assistant and my current role as Business Support.
Share 3 good things about working at Crest Plus?
There are so many good things about working at Crest, if I had to pick just three they would be;
- That every day is different, the work varies and you’re always kept on your toes!
- The element of fun is always there, whether that’s in work or the organised socials/charity events.
- The lifelong friends I’ve made, even those who left years ago!
Is there a particular achievement you’re proud of?
I would say that starting as the youngest member of staff (I will always be the original baby) and ending up being one of the longest serving staff members is quite an achievement! I’m very lucky to have worked in such a great place for so long, I’ve literally grown up here and I’m very proud to have what I have and be who I am thanks to those I’ve met along the way.