Richard Redding has recently joined the Monthind Clean team as Director of Sales, and talks about his career and the challenges his new role brings.

What led you to a career in the commercial cleaning industry?

It was a close call between the Premier League and commercial cleaning! As a teenager, I signed for West Ham with dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Sadly, it wasn't to be, and after a couple of seasons, I was released to play at semi pro level. Winning the inaugural Amateur World Cup in Florida in the mid 80's with Corinthian FC was one of the highlights. I went on to study Graphic Design, which led to my first job in a newspaper publishing firm. Over 15 years I worked my way up to the role of Managing Editor and when the business was acquired, I transferred to the Kent Messenger Group. After three great years there, I decided it was time for a change and entered the world of facilities management, joining the sales team at OCS. Six Years at Mowlem/Carillion followed, before I joined Facilicom.

What qualifies you to lead the group's sales team?

Having spent almost 20 years in the facilities management industry, with the last 11 of those as Commercial Director at Facilicom, I understand the sector and its unique demands, and make a point of tailoring the service to what the client really wants. I have experience of bidding for all types and sizes of contract and leading a busy sales team.

What aspects of the role are you looking forward to most?

That's a difficult one to narrow down. Monthind Clean and Atkins Gregory have earned an excellent reputation through strong, experienced leadership and quality of service, and there are many opportunities for further growth. Leading the sales and marketing team to greater success is an exciting prospect. I'm also looking forward to working with the Operations team; there's bags of talent and experience there.

What attracted you to the group?   

I have known Simon Biggs, Monthind's Operations Director and Partner, since we worked together many years ago, and when we started chatting at an industry dinner last year, his passion for the business was almost tangible.  After formerly meeting with Simon, Tony Felgate (Monthind's Finance Director and Partner), and the company's private investors to hear about the group's values, its client-focused service, work culture, and plans for growth, I knew I wanted to be part of it. The people-first ethos of the company, and the level of loyalty Monthind and Atkins Gregory have from customers and staff says a lot. I am delighted to have joined the group at such an exciting time.

Monthind's Business Development Manager, Anthony Payne started his career in the glass and glazing industry, covering all aspects of the trade, culminating in a move into Sales. Anthony then followed with five years in the fibre glass industry before changing to the commercial laundry industry, working in both sales and account management roles before joining Monthind Clean LLP in May 2015.

Anthony's reputation throughout his career has been built on going the extra mile for customers and colleagues, and his ethos that the long-term success of any company offering a contracted service is to deliver high standards consistently. This resonates with Monthind's own values.

Joining Monthind as Business Development Manager has presented Anthony with a new chapter in his career, sourcing new business opportunities and extending the operational area of the company. With his client-centric approach a key element to his appointment, Anthony will also be utilising his previous skills to full effect.

In his spare time Anthony helps out with a local charity and is also on the committee of a local club. A keen angler, Anthony is never happier than being either on or near the water.

Business Development Manager, Tara Culshaw, is based at Monthind's Norfolk office under the management of Business Manager Chris Brown.

Initially Tara's career began in the catering sector where she joined The Catering Guild as a Catering Assistant at Air UK in Norwich (now KLM). Tara completed various college and management courses, culminating in a promotion to Catering Manager.

In the late 90s Tara decided she wanted a career change and entered the world of recruitment, working for a well-regarded Norwich firm. Here she undertook intensive training in Sales & Marketing, Interviewing Techniques, Recruitment & Selection, Health & Safety and First Aid. Her role graduated from Consultant to Senior Consultant, managing major contracts in and around Norwich. While here she achieved an award for Top Temporaries Consultant in the country.

After five years with the company, Tara was headhunted for a Recruitment Manager role, gathering further experience with subsequent career moves.

Monthind were one of Tara's clients in 2010. She joined the company as Business Development Manager, utilising her many transferable skills. 

Tara said: "At Monthind we actually listen to what our customers require and provide a tailor-made service which thoroughly supports their business requirements."

Tara's role involves developing new business across Norfolk and North Suffolk, promoting Monthind by attending networking events and ensuring current clients are aware of the full service offer available. 

Lois is responsible for the Marketing of Monthind Clean.

At Coventry University, Lois studied BA Media and Communications which enabled her to advance her analytical and critical communication skills through the use of twenty-first century media. It also aided personal development in research through the engagement of professional media projects on an international scope. Following on from her Bachelor degree in Media and Communications, Lois then proceeded with a Masters in Marketing Management which provided an insight into a broader range of contemporary issues in marketing. It encouraged creative problem solving and the development of flexible approaches to key marketing issues. Lois feels that her Masters enabled her to adapt to changing marketing conditions and excel in leadership.

As a new associate member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Lois will carry on with her continual professional development as she is eager to progress to full member status.

Sarah has been working at Monthind for nearly 16 years, and is the longest serving member of the office team.

Her first position in the company was with the finance team as payroll and accounts assistant, working in a team of 12 office personnel.  Over the years Sarah has been responsible for all aspects of financial management duties and has managed the finance team since 2006.

Today Sarah's current role as Business Finance Manager includes managing a team of 7, which has been streamlined over the years through introducing technology and modern office procedures that have improved efficiency and effectiveness to support the £8.5 million operation.  Sarah manages finance, payroll, HR and the stores department which is responsible for the ordering of cleaning materials and equipment across the company.

In addition Sarah has the responsibility for managing the facilities of the three company offices, which includes the head office in Colchester and the two regional offices in Norwich and Gorleston.

Sarah has been instrumental in managing the introduction of all Government Legislation and plays a vital role in previous and future acquisitions.

Besides work commitments Sarah and her team are the leading charge with the company's chosen charity Macmillan, arranging events from the World's Largest Coffee Morning to the annual charity golf day. 

With a multitude of roles under his belt and over 20 years' experience in the service sector, Chris joined Monthind Clean in 2010 where he undertook the role of Business Manager in the new Norwich office, looking after clients across Norfolk.

In 2016 Chris took an interest into the Health and Safety role at Monthind Clean, he wanted to put his knowledge of the business and his strengths into another area and felt that he was at the right stage to accomplish this. Chris has a keen interest in Health and wellbeing which is becoming more topical and relevant today, in the past Health and Safety focussed primarily on the Safety aspect. Chris feels that by having an in-house Health and Safety Officer it adds value to the company by looking after the wellbeing of all of the Monthind Clean employees and clients. It enables Monthind Clean to react to situations quickly, and with Chris' thorough knowledge of the way our services are delivered it gives his colleagues and clients the confidence that the work will be carried out safely and effectively.

Chris enjoys the variety within his Health and Safety Officer position at Monthind Clean, his role enables him to have regular visits to our clients, develop a positive Health and Safety Culture within the workplace, and ensure that Monthind Clean complies with Health and Safety legislation and best practices.

Away from work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, and leading an active lifestyle. Chris is taking part in the Tour de Broads in August for the second year where he will accomplish a 100-mile bike ride in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance. Chris also supports his local football club (Norwich City), and enjoys playing the drums and signing in a band.

Andy has recently joined the team at Monthind Clean and is responsible for IT Systems, Quality (ISO9001) and the Company's environmental policy (ISO14001).

He has over 30 years IT and Systems experience working for Company's such as Siemens Nixdorf (Roll out of the Tesco EPOS system), MSC Shipping (Development and management of their bespoke shipping system), and 14 years working for BT at their Adastral Park research and development centre, where he managed some of their large test platforms.

In his spare time Andy has a passion for music, photography, hiking and travel.