Global Ardour Recycling
Name: Beth Mason
Job title: Site Manager, Global Ardour Recycling
Time spent in recycling: Seven years
What does your job involve? I am responsible for managing the operations of our shredder and vehicle processing site in Preston. I manage the day to day operations on the site, a key part of which is ensuring high standards of safety and environmental management. There are 90 operational staff on site, working a variety of shifts across a 7 day period – so it keeps me on my toes!
What is the hardest part of your job?
There are never enough hours in the day. There’s something going on onsite pretty much 7 days a week so the to-do list is always growing. But that’s what keeps things interesting!
What three things help you to do your job better?
- 100% the people I work with are the biggest factor. I couldn’t do my job without them. I’m very grateful to have the best team around me.
- Keep on learning. Sounds cheesy but I’m a big believer in continuing to learn and develop. I’ve done my WAMITAB and NEBOSH and am currently doing my MBA with Lancaster University. I’m very lucky that my manager has always been supportive of this.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses. I think it’s really important that you know the areas that you are good at, but even more important you know the areas where you need the extra support. Being confident to ask questions and hold my hands up when I don’t know something has definitely been something I’ve got better at.
What are you most proud of in your career? Over the years I have been very lucky to get to know the Recycling Lives Charity team, and specifically to work with them on their programmes within prisons, to support men and women back into work and reduce reoffending rates. I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work that they do and I’m really proud to have been a (very small) part of making genuine differences to people’s lives. Now working for Global Ardour, I’m grateful to still work in partnership with the Charity team as we work closely together and specifically sponsor the Lancashire Fareshare programme. This programme distributes surplus food to over 94 local community groups and charities so has a huge impact within the local community.
What are the best and worst things about the metals recycling sector? I love that every day is different. It’s a dynamic industry with lots of change and no day is the same. Being outdoors a lot would also be one of the best (and worst) things – depending on the time of year!
What is the best advice you have ever received? “You’re only as good as the people around you” – I really believe that. Your team are your biggest asset.
Quick fire round:
1. Out on the town or a night in front of the TV? Night in front of the TV – anything past 9pm is a late night for me.
2. Coffee or tea? Neither, I blame my mum for making me make too many brews for her as a kid. Cold drinks only for me.
3. Winter or Summer? Summer
4. Marmite – Love/Hate? Love
5. Invisibility or Flying? Flying definitely!