An Interview with Tracey Trent

Name: Tracey Trent
Role: Business Development Manager

What do you enjoy about your role?

I love the fact that my role is so varied. Currently, I am assisting with the development of a new CRM system, working with recruitment to grow the team along with working with the marketing team to support various divisions from around the business, amongst other things.

I’m based in Bristol but it’s great that I can work and build relationships with teams across the UK, which keeps things fresh and interesting.

How have you found working at Howden during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

Howden has handled everything amazingly well. They have been very forward-thinking and quick to act. It was very much understood across the business that if we didn’t do things quickly we wouldn’t be in the position to act in the best interests of employees and clients.

Personally I went into panic mode. The first few weeks were spent frantically juggling calls, emails and childcare. I enjoy my job and want to put in 100%, but I also have a young child who needs attention during this stressful and confusing time.

Although I have my own personal pressures, the business has been amazing and hasn’t put any additional pressure on me. Together we found a working pattern that works for me and my family; I’m currently working mornings and my partner works in the afternoons.

Howden put a lot of trust in their employees which has been highlighted during lockdown. I’ve felt completely supported every step of the way and have never had to justify what I was doing or how I’ve chosen to work. I’m respected in the fact that I had to do what I had to do. Howden trusts people because they know they have the right people in the job.

How have you found supporting a team during this time?

I’ve had to pass on this same trust to my team. My team are often making 60-70 outbound calls per day so keeping their motivation up during this time was my main priority.

When we first went into lockdown there was the initial adjustment of trying to work out how to manage everyone well; checking on everyone’s mental health and making sure they are all coping with the change in situation – professionally and personally. But now we have settled into a good routine of checking in on one another.

How does working at Howden compare to other places you have worked?

At Howden you are not just a number, you are very much treated as a person, your thoughts and feelings are taken into consideration. You are respected and trusted to do your job which makes me want to do even more!

I also appreciate that we get very real and honest communication from our senior leaders in the business, regardless of what we are going through. They know and understand that this makes everyone feel secure and respected. They also understand it can’t be business all the time and are still spending time to make sure people are seeing fun in these tough times.