Working at Novus – Andrew Besford

  19 May, 2018      Company Updates
Working at Novus – Andrew Besford

Its safe to say you spend a large proportion of your life at work. That’s why it’s important to enjoy what you do and the people you work with. Operations Manager Andy Besford talks about his favourite aspects of working at Novus.

What is the greatest thing about working in Novus?

It’s without a doubt the diverse group of people that I get to meet and interact with including colleagues, supply chain partners, clients and customers. Our business activity covers the whole spectrum in terms of society and industry which means that we get to encounter people from all walks of life.

I am very much a people person and I get fulfilment from learning from the experience of others. Notable people that spring to mind were a former zookeeper that came to work for us as a Contracts Manager (quite apt) and our very own Darren Randerson who started his working life as a trawlerman in the North Sea.  We have had ex-professional footballers working for us, part-time actors, Russell the DJ, and Otis the tiler who wows crowds at the weekend with his vocals!!

What has been your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievements come from the progression, development and success of the people who work within my team. Novus is a national company made up of local teams guided by strong company values and family ethos. As an operations manager, I have a duty to identify potential, nurture talent and provide the opportunities for my team members to progress within our business. During the last 5 years my team members have achieved multiple promotions, gained formal qualifications and their performance has been recognised by our Board – leading to them featuring on both the Scholarship Programme and this year’s ‘Stepping In’ and ‘Stepping Up’ leadership programmes.

What has been your most challenging moment?

Hearing that we would no longer be Seddon Property Services. Originating from Stoke-on-Trent and working in the construction industry since I left school, the name Seddon was synonymous with the trade. I joined the business as a Supervisor 8 years prior to Novus being born and had built my career within Seddon. It was an uncertain time for myself and many others, however, when recently celebrating the companies fifth birthday, I can wholeheartedly say that the last five years have been a resounding success.

What is your most memorable story?

Working with Places for People on The Windmill Project, seeing the effect that we could have on a community by engaging our people and supply chain with a sole purpose to improving the lives of others. Spending time in this underprivileged community and understanding the day to day challenges of the people using the facility we were recreating has left me with lasting memories of the positive impact we had.

What are you looking forward to in the future?

Personal progression within my career. I am in the process of integrating into a new role which will involve having responsibility for both East Midlands and Thetford operations. This is going to be a real challenge which I am relishing. I have also successfully enrolled in the inaugural “Stepping Beyond” development program for 2018 which I can’t wait to get involved in.

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