Ann Balshaw
I had previously worked for a large number of family businesses, as well as working in highly corporate environments, and during this time, I found that I’d lost my way in what I really wanted from my working environment. As a result, I lost my sense of direction in what I’d originally aimed to achieve, making it difficult for me to thrive in the workplace.
Ultimately, I chose Arbtech as I wanted to challenge myself, go down a completely new career path, and focus my attention towards a fresh, energetic and more fast-paced working environment, all while utilising the skills I’d developed from past roles.
Everyone at Arbtech is the hardest worker in the room, and this is really reflected in just how much the company has grown over the past few years.
Every employee genuinely cares about their role and puts the time and effort in.
You work for companies that say they reward you for the extra mile you put into the business, but in my experience, this ‘reward’ is never given, and you end up feeling entirely unappreciated.
Whereas, with Arbtech, you are genuinely rewarded in every way for the extra work you put in.
I enjoy chilled nights at home to unwind.
I also love to be outside taking long walks to different areas. I grew up in Anglesey, so in my spare time when I do get the time to go home, I love walking along the beach and taking strolls along the different towns and villages that I may not have made time to visit when I previously lived there.
Challenge yourself to be the best that you can be, take things as they come at you, and focus on what you can control; not what you can’t.
Learn from your mistakes, take what you’ve learnt to move forwards, and embrace expanding your opportunities in life.
For me, the best socials have been the two Christmas parties I’ve been to.
The Christmas social in 2021 was early into my new role at Arbtech, but it was really welcoming, and a nice opportunity to get to put some faces to names.
12 months on was the Christmas social of 2022, which was by far the best, as I got to meet different employees from across the UK that work for the company. Generally, a relaxed and fun feeling to end the year.
The ghetto golf day In Liverpool was also a day to remember – an activity that I had not previously experienced, and a bonus to get a hole-in-one and feel the buzz of a winning streak!
I would love to eventually travel to every country that hosts Formula 1 racing. This is a lifelong dream that I hope to one day achieve. The Las Vegas race would be especially amazing. So far, I have been to Silverstone in the UK, and this was one of the most exhilarating days I have ever experienced.
If I also get the opportunity, I would love to visit Bali, even if just for the scenery alone.
Last year was an opportunity for self-reflection that led me to analyse my life and where I feel I am currently. I came to the realisation that I want to do everything I can to work to the best of my ability.
But while it is a positive step forward, I would also like to focus on developing a positive mindset, approach each day with joy and optimism, and enjoy every moment with friends and family, as well as the amazing colleagues around me.
In addition to this, I would love the opportunity to develop my knowledge of the company, both from an ecological and arboricultural perspective, and continue to grow with the business.
My main goal for the future is to buy a property.
I would love to purchase a property, renovate it, and make it into a home. I enjoy taking on projects, even if it is long-term and involves investing my spare time into refurbishing each room at a time.
It would also be fun to travel around the world, find a small property in a desirable country such as Portugal, and renovate the house over a lengthy period of time.
Ann joined Arbtech in November 2021.
Meet the other members of our leading ecology and arboriculture team.