Age: 59
Position: Takeaway supervisor
Nominated by: Business owner Graham Kennedy, who says: “Julia has a real warmth about her and, although she’s only been with us four years, you would think she had been here from the start. You can ask her to do anything and she’ll not only do it, she’ll go above and beyond. We are very lucky to have her in our team.”
How long have you worked at Bells?
I have worked at Bells for four years, having joined the company in February 2022.
What are your responsibilities?
After a long career in retail, I began as a takeaway server. After two years in my role I was promoted to supervisor. The most important part of my job is ensuring everything runs smoothly and the customers are greeted with a smile, served correctly, promptly, and leave happy. My other duties include the opening and closing of the takeaway, ensuring our opening check forms are correctly completed. I manage staff shifts throughout the day, ensuring all staff take the correct breaks. We follow a staff training and development programme and I liaise with senior management to organise re-training and development for all staff if there are any gaps in their knowledge and ability. We like to have a consistency of service, making sure everyone follows the company’s training and food hygiene guidelines.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Serving customers and having a chat with them is definitely the best part. I really enjoy the banter and the rapport we build with our regular customers. We have many we know by name and even remember their orders by heart. Some of our customers can be elderly or lonely, so it’s important that we take the time to converse and feel a part of their day. We are an integral part of the community.
What’s your least favourite part of the job?
Dealing with rude customers. That said, I always try to handle any complaints with a smile.
What is it you like about working at Bells?
I love that I work for a family-run business, seeing the owners daily who are part of the team, serving customers and working in an environment where we are free to chat and build up a good rapport. I also love working with such a fantastic team, everyone contributes something amazing and makes Bells a great place to be.
How do you feel about being nominated as an Unsung Hero?
I feel proud and honoured to be recognised. I give my all every day and always try my best to make sure every customer leaves happy.
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