10 years. 120 months. 3,650 days. That’s how long two of our incredible team members have been part of SupaLite – and we think that deserves huge praise!
We know that our success is built on the hard work, loyalty and commitment of our employees. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate this very special milestone for two of our valued team members; Dean Newsham – Order Processing Manager, and Alister Shaw – Transport Driver.
A Lot Can Happen in 10 Years
When Dean and Alister first joined SupaLite, things looked a lot different. We only offered one product; our SupaLite Tiled Roof System, we only operated at one site, and our team was a lot smaller!
Fast forward a decade and not only has SupaLite grown – but so have they.
From helping customers, supporting colleagues and sharing their knowledge, to being part of countless successes, challenges, team events and Friday laughs, they’ve truly become part of the journey that makes SupaLite what we are today.
Their SupaLite Journey
We wanted to hear everything about Dean and Alister’s journey, from their very first day at SupaLite to how far they have come today.
What First Attracted You to Join SupaLite 10 Years Ago?
Dean – Working for a family based company who I already had friendships with a few members of staff.
Alister – I knew Mick Stewart, who was the Production Manager at SupaLite at the time. I had previously worked with him in a previous role and so I reached out and handed my CV to him at Croft Street as I wanted a new challenge in my career.
Can You Remember Your Very First Day at SupaLite – What Was It Like?
D – Yeah sitting learning each individual roof style and spending some time in each department learning the processes.
A – Yes, I worked in the warehouse, emptying fitter’s vans of old conservatory roofs. It was a great way to gain insight into the business and dive straight in.
How Has Your Role Changed or Developed Since You Started?
D – I started helping do quotes in the processing office and answering the phones, then moved onto heading the building control applications, before moving back onto processing the roof orders, becoming supervisor in this department and now Manager of the same department.
A – I have mainly been a driver of our vans and 7.5 tonne trucks during the day, travelling across the UK. For 2-3 years, I worked as a Transport Coordinator and Transport Assistant.
Do You Have a Favourite Memory, Funny Moment, Or Story from Your Time Here?
D – Too many to mention really but going back a few years when in the office Me, Sean, Mark & Luke recreated the full monty scene where they are waiting in the post office queue (don’t worry we didn’t get naked!)
A – Travelling to Nerja, Spain, to Dave’s villa with a 7.5 tonne truck fully loaded with a 7m glass canopy and replacement household goods. I sailed and drove over 2,000 miles in 10 days, down to Portsmouth on a Friday, sailed 24 hours to Santander, arriving Saturday, then set off on a 601-mile journey to Nerja that morning. I arrived at 10am on Monday, where I met Dave and others at a cafe overlooking the Nerja coast.
What Has Been Your Proudest Achievement During Your Time Here?
D – Proudest achievement would be seeing how much ive developed my skills at Supalite from being someone who only knew the basic concepts of the industry to now being able to answer pretty much any question put my way, also the promotions I have received along the way working my way up to management level.
A – I think reaching my 10-year anniversary at a UK market-leading company is my proudest achievement. It’s been amazing to see the company grow and be a part of it.
What Projects or Milestones Stand Out the Most from the Past Decade?
D – Milestone would be becoming Processing manager a couple years back now.
A – Again, I would say the milestone of reaching 10 years at SupaLite under the changing leaderships and continuing to love what I do.
What Skills Have You Developed Since Joining the Company?
D – People skills, customer service skills, knowledge of the company and the building industry as a whole.
A – Computer skills and my reinforced knowledge of the UK.
What Motivates You to Stay with the Business After a Decade?
D – It’s always been the market leader in conservatory replacement roofs, but on a personal level it’s a company that puts time and effort into you and gives you a platform to develop, grow and better yourself.
A – The freedom of the road, mostly. I’ve seen some stunning areas of the UK during my journey’s.
What Are You Most Excited About for the Future of SupaLite?
D – I think the current crop of staff we have are among the best we’ve had and I am looking forward to continue our progress and stay at the very top when it comes to replacement conservatory roofs.
A – Working on the S1 Roof Lanterns and S2 Conservatory Roofs.
If You Had to Describe SupaLite in Three Words, What Would They Be?
D – Market-Leaders, Hard-working, Reputable.
A – Professional, Generous, Innovative.
If You Had to Sum Up Your 10 Years at SupaLite in One Sentence, What Would It Be?
D – A crazy journey that’s not yet finished and has potential to go even further.
A – Meeting great people along my journey, both at SupaLite and our customers.
It Doesn’t Stop There
We want to give a huge shout out to more amazing employees who have reached their 10-Year Milestone this year. It is an honour to have so many talented people on our team and it’s a privilege to see you all grow in your careers with us.
Lorraine Watters – Transport Coordinator
Scott Bradshaw – Transport Driver
Andrew Colquhoun – Purchasing Manager
Ewa Zbyszynski – Accounts Manager
Here’s to the Next 10!
So, to our amazing colleagues – thank you.
Thank you for the energy, loyalty and positivity you’ve brought to SupaLite for the past decade. You’ve helped shape who we are today, and we can’t wait to see what the next 10 years bring.
