Gaynor hits Bullseye @ the Birmingham Hippodrome
From humble beginnings in 2003 with just one cleaning contract – Midland Autotrader – we clean embarked upon its incredible journey to establish itself as the premier provider of Contract Cleaning services in the Birmingham area.
Now 14 years on and hundreds of contracts later, we clean has experienced plenty of change and growth in its business operation but the one constant throughout the Company’s lifetime hasn’t changed and that constant is ‘Gaynor Powell’.
Blast from the past – Gaynor in 2003 at the start of her We Clean journey!
Gaynor’s relationship with Company Directors Paul, David, Steve and Tim spans some 20 years, and it was this long-term friendship, that encouraged her to join we clean and help build it from the ground up.
Gaynor remembers it fondly, commenting:
“Although we all had Industry experience, Paul and David wanted to develop something different and from the original business plans and vision they presented to me back in 2002, to what we’ve now achieved, it’s been an incredible journey”.
“I wouldn’t change a thing, and even as we’ve grown to employing over 450 people throughout the Midlands, we’ve managed to keep that family orientated feel where everybody is very close, there is a lot of respect for each other.”
A very surprised Gaynor arriving at the Hippodrome!
Originally, Gaynor’s role was Payroll & Office Manager before she began her training in Human Resources in 2009 and obtaining her formal CIPD qualifications.
As the Company HR Manager she now oversees all aspects of Employment Legislation and Employee welfare, and whilst the business continues to grow, Gaynor continues to instil the we clean ‘ethos’ into all employees and create an environment where both Cleaning Operatives and Administrative Office staff can forge meaningful careers with we clean.
For over a decade, Gaynor has been at the very heart and soul of the organisation, and so for her recent 50th birthday, Paul, David, Steve and Tim along with her friends and colleagues at we clean together with some family members and close friends decided to throw a ‘surprise party’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
The initial shock out of the way, Gaynor was able to enjoy the party with colleagues, friends and family!
Director, Paul Concannon was delighted that it all went so smoothly:
“Pulling off this surprise for Gaynor was really difficult, she’s so involved with everything that happens within the business that keeping it a secret was almost impossible, but we’re so happy that we managed to do it, and that she had a fantastic surprise and a great time with us all at the Birmingham Hippodrome”.
“Gaynor is such an integral part of we clean, and the business wouldn’t be where it is now without her professionalism, integrity, support and dedication, so this was a way of saying thank you, and celebrating everything she has done, and continues to do for us”.
“I must also say a massive thank you to Mike Croke, from the Birmingham Hippodrome, and Jane Cooper from Town Hall Symphony Hall who together with our Contract Manager Debbie Rhodes were fundamental in us being able to pull of this ‘big surprise’!”
Gaynor pictured with Husband, Andy and her daughter, Jess along with We Clean Directors, Paul, David, Tim and Steve.
Gaynor commented on her surprise of unknowingly walking into the room full of co-workers, along with friends and family:
“I honestly couldn’t believe it, I was so shocked to see everybody in there. I was totally overwhelmed, once I’d got over the initial shock we had a great day and evening and I was so grateful to everybody for turning up, and to everybody that worked so hard in putting it all together.”
Overall, the whole day was a huge success in bringing the we clean family together in order to pay a fantastic tribute to Gaynor, who has played such a massive part in driving the business forward, and everybody involved with we clean was so delighted for this very special person to have her moment in the spotlight!
Gaynor with Contract Manager, Debbie Rhodes who celebrated her 50th the week before!
