What made you choose Arbtech?
After spending two years working for a marketing agency, I felt like I’d not only hit a wall but also missed being able to focus my time and energy towards the aims of a single brand. Despite interviewing for a selection of different roles, none of them were right for me. It was at this point that a recruiter approached me about Arbtech and told me about the seemingly endless list of perks.
In my interview, Rob spoke to me directly and in a relaxed setting, and I could instantly tell that both he and the company were completely different to anything I’d experienced previously.
It all felt far too good to be true, but after being told by family, friends and my gut instinct that it would be ridiculous to doubt that it was anything but genuine, I accepted the role with both hands.
Since then, I’ve been blown away by Rob and Arbtech every day. I adore my job, I am forever grateful for the opportunity, and I can’t seriously imagine being anywhere else.
What do you love most about the company?
Countless factors make Arbtech a more desirable option over competitors within the same industry and, frankly, other businesses full stop.
I’d say what stands out to me more than anything else is trust.
From past experiences, I’ve found it all too common for companies to assume the worst in their staff, and that feeling of universal cynicism only breeds resentment from employee to employer.
But at Arbtech, everyone is given the same starting point and the ability to get on with their work without agonising micromanagement.
I am able to work independently, manage my own schedule and operate without unrealistic deadlines or anyone intimidatingly breathing down my neck. I believe that working in this way benefits both my mental health and my productivity.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
Away from work, I enjoy having plans for evenings and the weekend, even if that simply consists of eating incredible food or going to my favourite pubs. A lot of my time is spent with my fiancée Kaya, my French bulldog Pepper, and my rescue cat Otis.
I am obsessed with films and football, so I’m usually either watching films or football matches.
I’ve got an ever-growing list of films in a note on my phone – mostly horror, foreign-language and drama, but I’ll watch literally anything – and I’m always present on the Letterboxd app, enabling me to mix my love of film with a creative urge to write at every possible opportunity.
As for football, I attend Liverpool matches as much as possible, but failing that, I will go to non-league matches and keep up to date with the results in other English divisions and the leagues across Europe.
In addition to the local cinema and Anfield Stadium, it’s just as likely for me to be at various venues across the North West because I’m always eager to see my favourite bands and comedians live.
I’ve also been working on growing my performance in the gym, using it as an opportunity to improve my physical strength while also reaping the mental and emotional benefits it has on my anxiety and stress levels.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I’m a massive believer in personal development, both in terms of tangible skills and mental well-being. I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs throughout my 20s, and I think the overriding lesson from it was to manage myself properly.
I’ve spent a lot of time not enjoying myself, worrying or stressing too much, not living in the moment and simply not being happy and content. But while all of these factors need addressing, it all boils down to addressing things that negatively impact your mood and dealing with them accordingly.
You can’t change how you feel about certain things, but you can be aware of what affects you, be prepared for the outcome, learn to not be too hard on yourself for (what you regard as) reacting poorly, and then move forward with a clean slate once it passes.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I’ve enjoyed every single social I’ve been to with Arbtech, from small meals with the HQ team in Chester to the spectacular three-day ArbCon event that takes place every year.
During my time at the company, I’ve made loads of really good friends who I look forward to seeing at the next social, as well as making new friends all the time. I always enjoy the Christmas party – as it has everyone in attendance and gives us a chance to celebrate our wins at the end of the year – but I also really enjoyed a smaller social in Nottingham last year, where around 20 of the team met up for bowling, tapas and a night out in a city I’d never even been to before.
It’s amazing to spend so much time with such a wonderful group of people, even as someone who works remotely a lot of the time.
Instead of awkward and forced working relationships, every interaction is genuine and unique, and that in itself is a testament to how Rob focuses on solely hiring people with the right attitude, approach and personality for Arbtech.
Where do you want to travel to next?
Over the last few years, I’ve travelled more than ever before, helped by my fiancée’s passion for it.
Together, we’ve been to Poland, Holland, Greece, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Germany, and I’ve also been to various parts of North America a lot in my childhood, teenage and adult years.
Next on the list are Romania and Spain, but we’re always looking ahead to the next country to tick off!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Now in my 30s, I’ve learned to avoid planning too much, as it can put pressure on yourself to deliver and prevent you from enjoying what’s happening around you right now.
I am in the best position I’ve ever been in on all fronts, so it feels like an exciting time for me. Me and my fiancée are getting married in 2026, and then after that, who knows? We eventually want to move house, so I’d like to think that in five years, we will have settled into married life, have moved house or be in the process of moving, and still be enjoying trips to different parts of the world.
I’d also like to think I’ll still be at Arbtech, I’ll have more tattoos, and I’ll be continuing to move up the weights in the gym!
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
It’s always been my intention to become a content manager. Not only that, but I want to do that on merit and feel like I’ve fully deserved it, so I hope to reach that point eventually.
At this stage in my working life, I’m really interested in professional development, so I want to continue completing courses in SEO, PPC and other areas of digital marketing to strengthen my abilities and make me more effective in my role.
Away from work, I always see myself as a work in progress. I’m constantly looking at ways to improve my mental resilience, manage daily feelings of anxiety, and stick to the routine that keeps me moving forward.
I’m working towards more progress with that, and the further I get with it, the more likely I am to remain happy and content in life.
Rob joined Arbtech in August 2021.
