What was your background prior to joining us?
I trained as a chartered accountant, which involved a degree and three years of training, but then I took a career break and a job as a school secretary so I could raise my children.
What did CineArk look like when you joined?
I joined just over a year ago. It was much smaller then. My role was very different as the central team didn’t exist. Since that time we’ve become much more structured, with initiatives such as shadowing really helping to integrate the team. Now there’s a fluid flow of information and questions. Everyone knows everyone and so its really easy to approach someone and get help with something without feeling there’s any judgement. It’s been great expanding our social activities outside of work and also bringing our internal magazine, Arklife to life.
What does a typical day look like?
There’s no such thing. Yesterday morning I unpacked a Sainsburys order, spent time troubleshooting a printer, sourced some Bolt 6 Teradeks, set up a computer for a new starter, watered the plants, and fit in my regular tasks around that. It’s an extremely dynamic company and the central team sits at the heart of the company, so we help with HR, H&S, admin requests, arranging meetings, chasing shipping, restocking first aid kits etc. We think of our job as doing everything else so that the other departments can excel in what they do.
What do you like about the job?
Everyday is different. The team of people are great. I really enjoy working with everybody. I like that we’re contributing to the industry and knowing that we played a role in the shows that are released each week.
What impact have the writers’ strike and SAG strike had?
We monitor the inbox and answer phones and it’s been deathly quiet. Since they ended the phone has ramped up – people are coming in with sudden requests. However, we continued to find ways to stay busy and productive. The open days gave everyone a sense of purpose – that was great.
What are you looking forward to at work?
Christmas. Cat returning from maternity. Taking on a new team member, re-allocating tasks and calibrating the new dynamic.
What makes a good day?
When I go home and know that I’ve sorted things out for some people and solved some problems. It’s Nice having responsibilities and knowing that people can trust me, and things will be actioned.
How would you sum up CineArk in a sentence?
A company with a great work ethic but also a sense of fun.
Favourite film?
Star Wars. Princess Leia is my avatar on the company website. I saw it at just the right age. It was amazing to see a girl fighting with a gun, and Harrison Ford ain’t too bad either
