Welcome to TQ&Me - our staff spotlight series that puts the people behind T.Quality in the spotlight.
From our depots and trade counters to our support teams and sales force, TQ&Me gives you a chance to meet the faces behind the brand. Each edition features a quick Q&A with a different team member, sharing stories, insights, and maybe even a few surprises about life inside and outside of T.Quality.
Whether it’s someone you know or someone new to you, this series is all about celebrating the individuals who keep our business moving.
Name: Robert Norris
Job Title: Marketing Manager
Team/Department: Marketing
Time at T. Quality: 4 years
1.What’s your role at T.Quality, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m the Marketing Manager at T.Quality, and honestly, no two days ever look the same! I look after everything to do with our marketing, from the website and social media to all the brochures, campaigns, and promotional bits we create.
One day I might be planning a new campaign or event, and the next I’m working on branding, supporting a product launch, or digging into campaign results. There’s a lot of variety, which definitely keeps things interesting. It’s one of those roles where you’re always switching gears. One minute you’re writing a post, the next you’re designing an exhibition stand or brainstorming the next big idea.
2. What do you enjoy most about working at T.Quality?
Definitely the people. There’s a great team here, everyone’s always happy to help out and pull together, whether they’re based in a 12 depots.
I also love the variety. There’s always something new going on, whether it’s a campaign, an event, or a new project. It’s fast-paced, but that’s part of the fun!
3. What’s one project or achievement you’re really proud of?
I’m proud of a lot of what I do, to be honest, whether that’s creating social content, designing materials, or putting together something useful for our sales teams.
One project that really stands out, though, is the launch of our Endless Aisle catering equipment range. It’s something I’ve taken ownership of from the start, and it’s been amazing to see how much it’s grown.
It’s opened up thousands of extra products for our customers, all available to order alongside their usual shop which makes life so much easier for them. It’s been a great way to expand what we offer and give customers even more value.
4. What’s something surprising about your career journey?
It’s definitely not been a straight line! I actually started out working Saturdays in a bakery, kneading about 15 stone of breadcakes a day! Then after University I moved on to making 500 flush valves a day at Armitage Shanks.
My marketing career really began when I became Marketing Coordinator at the National Federation of Fish Friers, which introduced me to the foodservice industry. Fast forward to now, and I’m the Marketing Manager at T.Quality, still in foodservice, 15 years later!
If you’d told me when I was studying Sport Marketing at uni that this is where I’d end up, I’d probably have laughed. But it’s been a fun journey with loads of variety and great people along the way.
5. What advice would you give to someone just starting in your role or team?
Get stuck in and get as much hands-on experience as you can. You learn so much more by doing. Try different things, ask questions, and learn from the people around you.
Marketing’s always changing, so stay curious and keep exploring new tools, trends, and ideas. And don’t rush, take the time to understand how things work and how your role fits into the bigger picture.
It’s one of those jobs where you never really stop learning, and that’s what makes it so interesting.
6. What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Outside of work, it’s mostly all about sport. I’m a big Newcastle United fan, so I’ll be watching the match whenever I can and then staying up late to catch the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL!
When I’m not watching sport, I’m usually coaching it. I manage my son’s Under-7s football team, Thackley Town Juniors. Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they score or win a match is brilliant, it’s busy, but so rewarding.
7. Any fun facts?
Not sure how “fun” it is, but my little claim to fame is that I went to school and played rugby with England international Danny Care and Olympic silver medallist cyclist Lizzie Deignan. Not bad going for a small Yorkshire school!
Stay tuned for more TQ&Me interviews fortnightly.
