We’re a friendly bunch at Forms Plus, and we thought you’d like to know a bit more about the people behind your print and packaging orders. Rather than the usual “tell us about yourself” approach, we asked the team some questions about work, home life, and how they’re enjoying Summer so far.
We hope you’ll find their responses interesting. You might even feel inspired to organise your own beach barbecue after reading their suggestions!
This time we heard from Victoria (MD), Jo (Finance Director), Sharon (Company Director), Jayne (Despatch Co-ordinator), Donna (Admin Co-ordinator), Rafe (Customer Advisor), Sharon W (Finance Administrator) and Phil (Warehouse Supervisor).
What have you learnt recently that has made the most difference to your life?
Victoria and Sharon have both been thinking about health and fitness. Victoria reminds us that “health is wealth” and we should all make the most of our good health. Sharon W is doing just that by learning Pilates, helping her to unwind and feel much better.
Focussing on mental health, Donna has learnt to be more resilient, taking one day at a time. Jayne is also working on resilience, and being able to adapt when life sends you a curveball. Meanwhile, Jo has been developing confidence to go with her own instincts, rather than being swayed by others.
On a more practical level, Rafe has discovered that email reminders can be a game changer for timekeeping and organisation.
What is the best piece of career advice you have received?
Victoria tries to follow the golden rule of treating others as you would expect to be treated, by considering things from other people’s point of view, to help them feel valued. In her teens, Jo was advised to “make things happen for yourself, no one is going to do it for you”, which has stayed with her throughout her career.
Sharon reminded us of a good old Geordie saying, “Shy bairns get nowt”, meaning that if you don’t ask for what you want, you won’t get it. This proves particularly handy when negotiating with suppliers!
Our Customer Advisor Rafe emphasises that “People buy from people” and aims to build a trustworthy connection with his customers, listening to what they want and offering the best solution.
Sharon W keeps organised with a diary to ensure nothing gets forgotten, whilst Donna recommends never being afraid to re-ask a question if you don’t understand. Phil and Jayne added that we should never be afraid to ask for help, even if people are busy. Phil is certainly putting that into practice as he learns his new role as the Forms Plus Warehouse Supervisor.
Aside from Forms Plus packaging, what’s the most innovative packaging you have seen?
The team have seen some great examples of innovative packaging. Victoria was impressed by the dissolvable bags used for some clothing deliveries, whilst Jo highlighted Lush’s cork packaging. Rafe mentioned mushroom-based packaging as an excellent alternative to polystyrene.
Jayne was recently very impressed by the presentation of a gift box she received as a present, shaped to fit each product exactly.
During her recent holiday in Mauritius, Sharon W discovered water bottles made from sugar cane that were completely compostable and made use of parts of the sugar cane that weren’t needed for anything else. Donna appreciated the simple innovation of cardboard carriers that pack individual oranges together – so much better than plastic.
Where’s your favourite place to spend time in Cornwall in the summer?
The sea is a particular favourite for our team. Jo finds being on or near the water allows her to escape and feel free and calm. Sharon enjoys watching her son crabbing at Porthleven Harbour, especially how happy he is when he catches something. Sharon W can often be found walking the coast path around the Lizard Peninsula, with friends and family. Jayne would be nearby at Church Cove, Gunwalloe and doesn’t mind walking her dog there on a lovely summer day, or storm watching as the seas get wilder in the winter. Donna prefers the North Coast, particularly the long sandy stretch of Gwithian Beach, where there are plenty of surfers to watch.
Rafe’s favourite spot is in the garden with his cat Tux and Phil can be found wherever his boys are playing football or cricket. Victoria loves anywhere she can be with her family, noting that there are plenty of beautiful places to choose from in Cornwall.
What would you bring to a team summer barbecue?
Asking this question has made us hungry, as it seems we could be in for quite a feast!
Victoria starts the evening off by providing crisps and Rosé wine. Jayne brings the bubbles with her new discovery, Sparklante – a sparkling Shiraz!
For the barbecue itself, Jo would contribute teriyaki chicken kebabs and Sharon insists on Posh Puppies sausages from M&S. Phil would pack his picnic basket with beer and buffalo wings, whilst Donna has the vegetarian options covered with halloumi (and tequila!).
When it comes to dessert, Sharon W will be very welcome, bearing a meringue roulade with lots of fruit, topped off with clotted cream. Rafe reminded us to bring sunscreen and a hat. Now we just need the weather to make it happen!
We hope you are all having a lovely summer. If you do come down to Cornwall to see the sea this summer, you’d be very welcome to pop in for a cup of tea, if not tequila and buffalo wings!
