What made you choose Arbtech?
I became aware of Arbtech through a mutual acquaintance and was encouraged to submit my CV to Rob, as there was likely to be an opening within the business in the not-too-distant future which would play to my strengths. I speculatively applied for a role within the business, as I wanted to move away from retail management and focus more on project management.
I have always been very interested in nature and the environment and was impressed with what I had read about the company and Rob. I was looking for a new challenge as I was bored in my previous role, as it didn’t stretch me enough. I wanted something that I could get stuck into, which meant stepping away from my comfort zone. I had never worked in an office environment before, so this was something entirely new to me. My background was working for a very large high street retail company for 25 years, so I was used to a corporate way of working.
What do you love most about the company?
Everything! Arbtech is a unique and very forward-thinking company, of which I am very lucky to be a part.
My colleagues are an amazing team of people who genuinely care about one another, offering support and guidance when needed. Celebrating others’ successes is important in Arbtech. Culture plays an integral role in the business and is the foundation on which the company has been built. I love the fact that no two days are ever the same, and that we are encouraged to be the best versions of ourselves.
We also have the most amazing staff social events, giving us time to get together on a regular basis.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I love gardening and interior design. My husband and I have recently acquired an allotment, so we are excited to start growing our own fruit and vegetables. Our home has been a renovation project for the last seven years, and I love designing and creating beautiful rooms.
One of my biggest passions is cooking and baking. I am not a great baker, but love making jam using fruit from our garden, and hearty homemade soups. I often create my own recipes and have always wanted to have my own cooking business, creating healthy meals and delivering locally, using locally sourced produce, but on a small scale only!
We have been National Trust members for eight years now and enjoy visiting NT sites all around the country. We both enjoy travelling and are hoping to take some city breaks this year, namely Rome, Barcelona and Budapest. We also love going to the theatre and enjoying Middle Eastern food and French wine.
We have four children and three grandsons, who we spend as much time as possible. We regularly have visitors come and stay, as we are fortunate enough to live in a tiny Welsh village, so our family and friends come to enjoy the peace and serenity of the countryside.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
- Tell the truth and demand it from others.
- Time is the most precious commodity, so spend it wisely.
- Work hard and play harder.
- Love and cherish your friends and family and be kind.
- Set yourself goals that are achievable.
- Never regret a decision you have made; just learn from it if the decision turns out to be a poor one.
- Worry about things that you are in control of; never waste time worrying about things that are out of your control.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
Driving Porsches around Silverstone racetrack. It was the best adrenaline rush ever!
Where do you want to travel to next?
Canada and North America. I have family that live in Canada, and I have wanted to visit them for a while and witness the rugged scenery while I am there.
I am keen to do a road trip around North Carolina, the Outer Banks and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
My husband and I are also eager to drive the North Coast 500 in Northern Scotland. We are both very fond of Scotland, and the scenery and Lochs look breathtaking.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Hopefully retired!
If not retired, certainly still working at Arbtech. I could not begin to imagine working anywhere else.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
- To buy and renovate properties, allowing me to indulge in my passion for interior design.
- To buy a property in Spain or Portugal so we can escape the UK winters and spend November through to mid-February in the relative warmth of the Mediterranean.
- To take up golf again.
Julia joined Arbtech in May 2015.
Robert Oates, managing director says:
Julia applied to us speculatively over year before we hired her, having stumbled upon our website and careers pages. Subsequently, I met with her at Prezzo and we chatted over lunch. Julia presents very well, is extremely intelligent and loves to be challenged. (Perfect!) While we didn’t have a role for Julia at that time, we kept in touch and mutually agreed that when Arbtech reached the point where her skill set overlapped with gaps in our business, we’d make the arrangement more formal! 12 months later, she’s sat opposite my desk and putting me to shame with her ruthless productivity!
