What made you choose Arbtech?
Prior to working at Arbtech, I had worked as a solicitor, but I hadn’t been enjoying the role for a while and knew that I was ready to move on to a new adventure.
I wanted a challenging role with a better work-life balance and one that I could progress in but also utilise the skills and attributes that I had accumulated through the years.
I learnt that a role had become available at Arbtech’s head office, and after researching the company and its benefits, it almost seemed too good to be true.
I met with Rob and Julia at a café in Chester for my interview in an administrative role. As soon as I met them both, I felt really comfortable and at ease, and after learning more about Arbtech and its goals and ambitions for the future, I knew that I wanted to work there.
I was delighted when I was offered the role and accepted straight away.
What do you love most about the company?
I always look forward to coming to work, even on a Monday morning.
I love that each day brings a new challenge and that not every day is the same.
All the consultants support head office, and we all work together as a team, pulling in the same direction to get things done.
The people that work within our team are all amazing! As part of team HQ, I feel like part of a big family. We are all genuine friends and enjoy spending time together, both inside and outside of work.
I love the support that both Rob and management provide to all of the team. You’re not just a number at Arbtech and you really feel cared about; we have a dedicated well-being team to contribute to that. Both Rob and the management team highlight the fact that they are accessible any time of the day, no matter what the situation.
Also, the benefits and the socials that we are offered must be the best that there are out there.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and two young boys.
My husband is a qualified football coach and my eldest boy is a very keen footballer, playing both at academy and grassroots levels. We often spend the weekend travelling around the country for his matches. He has recently played games against Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton and Wolves to name a few, and so far, it’s been an incredible experience both for him and myself.
My youngest son is a keen animal lover, and we often spend time at Chester Zoo learning about all the animals. He loves the outdoors, and we enjoy having adventures finding places to explore in the great outdoors.
When the weather is nice, we enjoy going to the beach or taking our kayak out on the lake. This summer, we went camping with friends, which we all enjoyed. We are already planning our next camping adventure for summer 2023.
I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family and going out for food and wine. My favourite food is Italian but will try just about anything.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Always try your hardest, no matter what you do. If you try your hardest, then you can’t ask for anything more.
I remember when I was younger, someone telling me that they had wished they’d tried harder. As soon as I heard that, I decided that I never wanted to have any regrets; no feelings of looking back and wishing I had tried harder.
So, I always try and live by this. If you fail but you have tried your best, that is all you can ask of yourself, or anyone can ask of you.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
Every social at Arbtech is epic, and it’s always so nice to catch up with members of the team, especially as we are located all over the country.
However, this year’s Christmas party is up there with the best. We took control of a whole floor at Opera Grill in Chester, with gorgeous food and an open bar!
It was so good to meet all of the team – some of whom I had not met before – and it was a lovely opportunity to thank them for their help throughout the year in person.
Where do you want to travel to next?
Each year, we travel to Cornwall, and I love spending time on the beach with the boys.
This year, we have also planned a break away to the Netherlands for our 10-year anniversary, which I am really looking forward to.
In terms of city breaks, I would love to visit Barcelona. I think it looks like a beautiful city and there is so much to see and do there. I am sure that we would end up watching a Barcelona match while we were there too. I got engaged in Rome so would love to go back there, as it holds a lot of memories and is an amazing city.
I really want to go to Disney World in Florida, but I think that will be a trip for when the boys are a bit older and can appreciate the experience more.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
The company is expanding at a massive rate, and the demand for arboricultural and ecological surveys is only going to increase. As such, in five years’ time, I see myself still working at Arbtech and hopefully progressing with the company.
Outside of work, my priority is to spend as much time with my friends and family as possible, going on adventures with them, and doing all I can to be the best mum I can be.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
In work, I want to keep developing professionally within the company and being as effective as I can in my role.
Away from work, as my children grow up, I would like to spend more time travelling with them and my husband. I want to make sure that they have lots of lovely experiences in their childhood and growing up.
It seems that everyone in work has got the Brazilian jiu-jitsu bug – so much so that I would like to take up martial arts in the near future. My husband is a black belt in krav maga, so that could be a good starting point. Additionally, my youngest son has just started taekwondo, so maybe he will try and rope me into that soon.
I also want to help support my eldest son in his footballing ambitions and, hopefully, one day he will thank me with a new house, car and vineyard!
Sally joined Arbtech in September 2021.
