As part of our ongoing series celebrating long-serving colleagues, we sat down with Lorraine Thompson, our Credit Controller and irreplaceable cog in our Finance Team.
Joining us all the way back in 1989, Lorraine has had a number of roles, from QA Assistant in the factory where she inspected the light fittings we made, to her role of Credit Controller, where she oversees the receiving and posting of cash receipts.
September saw Lorraine celebrate her 35th anniversary with us, and as part of the celebration, we sat down with her to discuss all things CU Phosco, and what’s kept her stay with us for so long.
“Lorraine, 35 years is amazing, congratulations! Before we jump into your CU Phosco journey, tell us a little bit about your career before coming to us.”
Thank you so much! My career was incredibly varied, my first job, like most people, was a General Assistant in a local food store. I took my first real step with my career when I joined a Company making PCB Boards for the Ministry of Defence.
“Since joining CU Phosco back in 1989, the industry and the company are of course completely different. How has it all changed since you joined?”
It’s changed massively! With regards to myself, I have worked in every department of the business except for Sales and Export.
My first role was that of a QA Assistant, inspecting the light fittings made before we sent them to customers. I then moved on to Production Supervisor in 1993, where I supervised the production of all light fittings made in the factory.
After eight years in that role, I moved over to Customer Services, again as a QA Assistant, but this time I was dealing with any customer complaints that came in.
2002 saw me move into the Finance Team firstly in Bought Ledger, where I would input invoices into the system and check statements to ensure our finances lined up. Finally, I moved onto the role of Credit Controller in 2014 which sees me receiving and posting cash receipts.
When looking at the industry, all I have to do is think back to the light fittings I was quality assuring in the factory back in 1989, to what we’re creating now. It’s completely different, the technology and methods to create them has come on leaps and bounds.
The luminaires last longer, they’re stronger, they don’t cost as much to run, it’s amazing!
“What do you like about working for CU Phosco?”
A key thing for me is the flexibility of being able to work from home. I love my time in the office with the team, but sometimes I need to get my head down and work, and being able to do that from home is such a bonus.
The other big thing for me is that it’s a family run company that puts people first, there’s been a number of times not only for myself that compassionate leave has been required for all sorts of family matters and I’ve been granted it without question. That sort of trust is not easily found in other companies.
“In your 35 years here, do you feel that CU Phosco has invested in you?”
Absolutely. Not only have I been allowed to move around the business and learn all manners of new skills, but I’ve also become a fully qualified Mental Health First Aider as part of our Wellbeing Team.
“Just to wrap things up, do you have any fond memories of your time here so far?”
Far too many! I can barely remember a time where I haven’t been working at CU Phosco! My most important one will be meeting my husband Mark, who also still works here.
Another big one for me would be travelling to China for business back in 1999, wow, what an experience! It was amazing to be able to see other parts of the world as part of my job.
Finally, another fond memory is of the people here at CU Phosco. I’m lucky to be able to have met some colleagues who are now firm friends and incredibly important people in my life. I’d be lost without them and my days wouldn’t be anywhere near as enjoyable.