Welcome to TQ&Me - our brand-new 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: Wendy Browning
Job Title: Payroll & HR Administrator
Time at T. Quality:36 years (on 8th October)!
1. What’s your role at TQ, and what do you actually do day to day?
My current role is Payroll & HR Administrator. I’ve had many roles with the company over the years, starting as Receptionist, then Secretary, PA to Directors, HR Manager and now Payroll & HR Administrator
My day to day is very varied. Obviously a lot of it revolves around payroll processing, raising contract for new starters, ensuring all paperwork/checks are in place, but it also involves lots of other bits and pieces that I’ve somehow become responsible for over the years. No two days are the same!
2. What do you enjoy most about working here?
Cliché I know, but I love my job. I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years - different MD’s, different Managers, new depots, advances in technology - but the core business has remained the same and the people have been fantastic (mostly). I think I’ve covered every role at some point over the years (apart from HGV driver, perhaps I need to give that a try!!). The variety of my work appeals to me as, like I’ve said, no two days are the same and you never quite know what today will bring. I like that.
I would imagine it’s rare to find a workplace where you feel both challenged and comfortable - I’m lucky to have that here.
3. What’s one project or achievement you're really proud of?
One of the project’s I’m most proud of is, in 2017, I went back to ‘school’ to achieve my CIPD qualification. Going back to school was a scary prospect but the whole experience was both satisfying and rewarding. Should have done it years before!
It’s also got to be the time around Covid (sorry to mention the C word)! I was HR Manager at the time and it really was an unprecedented time, obviously for the Country but also for T.Quality and all of us. At the time, things were changing from day to day, minute to minute in some cases, and I remember vividly the daily morning meeting that Mike, Darren and I would have to see what had changed overnight and what needed to be done that day. We also furloughed a number of staff which was tough on both them and the people still working. I’ve got to say, the administration of it all was a nightmare! But I’m so proud of how the company and all our colleagues pulled together around that time, and the outcome of the Company speaks volumes.
4. What’s something surprising about your career journey?
All of it really! It you had told me when I started that I would still be here 36 years later I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve grown so much in my professional life with the business - going from Receptionist to HR Manager was such a surprise - not something my 18 year old self had even thought about when I joined!
5. What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Not to sound about 105, but I love crocheting, it’s become a bit of an obsession (as I sure some people will confirm with the amount of pictures I show them - sorry!!) Also love going for walks in the countryside, it really is good for your soul.
6. Any fun facts?
Not a fun fact but I am going to be a first time Nana this year and I cannot wait. Roll on December.
Stay tuned for more TQ&Me interviews fortnightly.
