This week we’re meeting Anna Wardle, a real-life pioneer in the Fire & Security world, who is a well-known face across the industry. Anna’s story takes us from her early career as a breakthrough female engineer through to her current role as National Accounts Director. Let’s meet Anna…
What are your main responsibilities?
My main responsibilities as National Accounts Director are to support and encourage the team to deliver the very best customer service within the portfolio of customers they look after and nurture my relationships with the customers. The role is really varied and ranges from leading and developing a big team through to ensuring our clients are kept compliant and building on our relationships with our largest customer accounts. We offer nationwide service so this means our accounts can be based across the UK and often with multiple sites, but I love the challenge this brings and every day is different.
What is your main objective within this role?
Keeping our national accounts satisfied and retaining them as customers for years to come is my ultimate objective. The average customer retention period is over 15 years so we’re obviously doing something right as customers tend to come to us and stay with us. Compliance is really important for businesses – there are lots of fire regulations to adhere to and these are subject to changing legislation – so we work with our customers and operations team to ensure all the accounts are compliant and their maintenance is up to date. That way our customers have peace of mind that their businesses are meeting all the relevant regulations and their people and properties are safe.
What jobs did you do prior to joining us? What prepared you for your role here?
Before joining Marlowe Fire & Security, I worked in a national accounts admin role and I really enjoyed working with the customers. I also fell in love with the Fire & Security industry and against the odds, decided to move into an engineering role for Portable Fire Extinguishers. This was in the days of cartridge operating extinguishers with foam and water where you could pour the contents down the local drain… Am I showing my age?
I’ve got to say, this career choice raised a few eyebrows back in the day – I didn’t know any other female engineers and I’ve been told I was the very first female engineer in the industry – but I loved the days out on the road in my van!
What’s the best thing about working at Marlowe Fire & Security?
The best thing is undoubtedly the people in the teams I’ve managed across all the roles I’ve had within Marlowe Fire & Security. It really is the people here that makes us such a special business to work with and work for. I’ve had the privilege of working and managing a few teams now and I never fail to find people going above and beyond.
What has been the highlight of your career at Marlowe Fire & Security over the years?
There’s a few!
I’ve got to say being nominated for the Women in Security award was a highlight and an honour. Our Chief Commercial Officer, Michael Brennan, nominated me without me knowing so when I got an email saying I was a FINALIST I thought it was a junk email and nearly deleted it! Luckily, I popped into Michael’s office and told him at which point he confessed that he’d put me forward. What a lovely surprise!
The other highlight has to be the Boots contract. We’ve a long history together and over the years they’ve trusted us with more and more contracts nationally. We’re a great example of true partnership and I’m proud to work on this scale protecting their customers, buildings and employees.
Are you working on any special projects?
The Hilton Caledonian, also known as the Waldorf Astoria, in Edinburgh is such an iconic building and steeped in so much history. Working on a large scale project with them has been one of the team’s biggest achievements delivering fantastic results.
What has been your greatest personal achievement?
Doing a charity sky dive for a friend’s daughter who had fallen ill with leukaemia. All donations went to Cancer Research. Considering I don’t like flying this was a huge personal challenge but worth it. My friend’s daughter survived and we raised money for a great cause.
I also walked up Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, but the day we chose there was unseasonal bad weather. It was snowing, sleet, absolutely freezing! Luckily I had many others from the Marlowe family with me so we kept each other going.
What makes you most proud of your team/company?
The closeness of the team, the work we do together, how well we all collaborate and feel like one team. I am so proud of what we achieve.
It also helps working for a company that is willing to adapt and change. When something could be done better, we work together to improve things. If something doesn’t work as well as we wanted, we try to turn those times into opportunities to change for the better.
Where were you born/where did you grow up?
I was born and grew up in Tameside.
Fun facts: 3 fun facts about you?
I used to be a break-dancer back in the 80’s. And yes – I had a shell suit!
I also love a bit of Karaoke!
Do you have any pets?
I have a cocker Spaniel called Sandy.
Do you have any hidden talents/party pieces?
Yes! My favourite tune is “Hot Stepper” and I do break-dance to it when it comes on!
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
It has to be Italy, the Amalfi Coast. My Mum and Dad are Italian. Sadly my Dad passed away when I was younger and my Mum did a terrific job of raising a big family on her own, instilling a strong work ethic in me.
What’s on your bucket list?
Ride a motorbike and speak Italian.
Who are your fantasy dinner party guests – dead or alive?
There is only one for me – Eric Cantona!
What are the best things in life?
My children Benito and Zoey, for their strength and courage in what they have overcome.
My Beautiful Grandson, Gio
My Mum, as she is my inspiration in whatever I do.
My 6 brothers for looking out for me.
My sister, Julia, for always being there where I need her.
And my partner, Mike, for putting up with me …
And Time. Do not take it for Granted – Time is precious.
To learn more about how Marlowe Fire & Security can help you with your fire and security, click here.