As part of our Meet the Team series, we put the spotlight on Clare Saggs, Network Administrator, based in our Head Office in Ware, who celebrated a fantastic 35-year milestone at C.U. Phosco!
Clare joined the team in 1991. At the beginning of her career, she started in the Accounts department as a purchase ledger clerk, before soon transferring over to the IT department, where she evolved into the position she holds today.
CONGRATULATIONS, CLARE! 35 YEARS IS A MASSIVE ACHIEVEMENT. BEFORE WE JUMP INTO YOUR C.U. PHOSCO JOURNEY, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CAREER BEFORE JOINING US
"Before joining C.U. Phosco, I studied at Turnford College where I gained a BTEC in Business Studies and worked at Marks and Spencer as a sales assistant."
WHAT DOES YOUR CURRENT ROLE ENTAIL?
"My role covers all aspects of IT, from making sure equipment is working correctly to ensuring that the network and all users are secure. I also make sure that we are up to date on licensing and offering software support, especially for our new ERP software, which was implemented two years ago."
HOW HAS THE COMPANY CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST JOINED?
"In 35 years, the company has changed beyond recognition. Many members of staff have come and gone. Both Robin Marques and David Marques were in charge when I joined the company.
Many employees have retired over the years but still remain in contact with the company, many through our 'G' division lunches (regular get-togethers for former staff)
IT has now become an essential part of the company that we couldn't live without, but many years ago things were very different. Back in the day, we ran an IBM System/36 computer with green screen terminals and 5¼ inch floppy disc backups. I remember well the first 'PC' arriving at Head Office. Who'd have guessed that technology would have led us to where we find ourselves now!"
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT C.U. PHOSCO?
"The one thing that stands out to me about working at C.U. Phosco is the feeling of being part of a big family, with people there willing to support and assist wherever they can. Many employees have worked at C.U. Phosco for a long time, so you have the chance to get to know each other well and benefit from that wealth of experience. That personal touch gives C.U. Phosco an advantage when it comes to teamwork.
At C.U. Phosco, hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. It was incredibly rewarding when I was nominated and awarded for Employee of the Year at the 2025 HEA/HEMSA awards, following a challenging year implementing EFACS, our new ERP system at the time, across the business."
DO YOU HAVE ANY FOND MEMORIES OF YOUR TIME HERE SO FAR?
"My fondest memory isn't one single moment, it's the people. The friendships, the laughs, and the support we've shared over the years have made this feel like much more than just a place to work. It's great to have been a part of the C.U. Phosco journey so far, and I look forward to the years to come too!"
Congratulations again Clare and thank you for all that you do to support us across the business.