What made you choose Arbtech?
After working in the construction sector for over two years and mainly dealing with contractors, I felt like a career change and wanted something that focused more on customer service, as I missed helping customers and getting the rewarding feeling of dealing with an irate customer and them going away satisfied.
I got a call from someone recruiting for Arbtech. I was a little hesitant at first, as I have fallen into recruitment traps before where they promise you this and that, and when you start, it’s nothing like they said. However, I am so glad that I took the job at Arbtech because working here is exactly as the recruiter described to me and so much more.
What do you love most about the company?
The one thing I love most about Arbtech is the people and the culture.
I’ve found genuine work friends who will help each other no matter what.
I genuinely have never worked anywhere where everyone pulls their weight, and if someone is in need, they will all help in one way or another. It’s so humbling to work with such great people.
I also love the cheers mate scheme that we have. It’s a scheme where your colleagues can gift you an item from your wish list to say thank you for going the extra mile with no questions asked. It’s so nice to be recognised for the hard work that you put in, not just by management but also by your colleagues.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
When I’m not at HQ, I spend my time with family and friends.
I have recently taken up doing makeup at the weekends for family and friends, helping to develop my skills and confidence.
I spend a lot of the warmer months in North Wales, where I go sailing and relax at our holiday home.
I recently started with a personal trainer, as I have always found it difficult to push myself when I’m at the gym. Fortunately, I found a PT who was ex-military, and he certainly pushes me to my limits.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I think my biggest tip is to trust the process and stay consistent. Eventually, it will work out in whatever it is you are trying to achieve, and if you stay consistent, you will see progress whether it’s small or large.
I also live by the motto ‘if it’s meant to be then it will be’, and I 100% believe in this.
Using this motto has led me to the best company I have worked for to date, and I wouldn’t look back.
I hope to be here for a long time.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I’d say socials seem to be a pretty big deal here at Arbtech, and so far, they have surpassed my expectations.
Although I have only been on two, I would say that the Christmas social must be the best one that I’ve ever been on, at Arbtech or prior.
We had the entire top floor at the Opera Grill in Chester with a fantastic live band, and afterwards, a big group of us went out in Chester to the bars.
I am looking forward to the future socials that are yet to come, and of course, the next Christmas social.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I’m going to New York in April, and I’m so excited to go and visit the big apple. I will also visit Washington while I’m there, but after that, I have a long list of places that I want to visit.
Whether it’s a long weekend or a couple of weeks away is another question, but a few of the places on my list are Santorini, Italy, the Maldives, Australia, and Switzerland.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In terms of work, I hope to be confident enough in ecology and arboriculture to be able to deal with any enquiry that comes through to HQ.
I have only been here for just under six months, but I feel like I have learned so much. Even so, I have a long way to go in terms of knowledge and confidence.
As for my personal life, I see myself finally getting on the property ladder and owning my own home with a dog.
I also hope to eventually become a fully accredited makeup artist, as this is something that I have had a passion for since I was as young as 12 but simply have never got the chance to do anything with it.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
My primary future goal is to have my own home and own a golden retriever called Luna.
So far, I haven’t been able to get onto the property ladder due to the current market, but I hope to have settled in my own home in a few years or so.
In terms of work goals, I find working at Arbtech so interesting and something so different from where I have worked previously, so eventually, I would like to join the consultants during on-site visits such as BERS to gain more experience, particularly as doing so will help me answer the questions from clients over the phone.
Marlies joined Arbtech in August 2022.
