Member Article

Jade Joins Operations at Russells

A new member of the team at Burton-based Russell Roof Tiles is the latest to benefit from the company’s commitment to nurturing talent. Jade Hugill, 26, from Swadlincote, has joined Russell Roof Tiles as a Business Support Administrator at its Wetmore Lane site. She joined the roof tile manufacturer after completing a Master’s degree at Sheffield Hallam University and gaining administration experience at Conkers, the award-winning family attraction. Currently employing 100 people across two sites in Burton, the manufacturer is keen to find the best local talent and support new starters with a dedicated training plan and ongoing professional development. In 2018, Russell Roof Tiles announced a £60,000 investment into staff training – the largest ever sum invested in staff development. Since joining, Jade has shadowed members of the senior management team to get a hands-on approach into how the business operates and has spent time working in different departments to develop greater insight. Having only worked at Russell Roof Tiles since June, Jade has already completed several specialist training courses to develop skills in production and administration. Jade said: “I was eager for a new challenge in my career and wanted to join a business where I could enhance my skills whilst learning about the fundamentals of business operations. I was initially drawn to the company due to its charitable reputation and support of local communities - it looked like a company with a great ethos. “Over the past few months, I’ve been able to fully immerse myself into the world of Russell Roof Tiles, spending time in areas such as HR and Customer Service. In other companies, senior management can often seem intimidating, but here at Russell Roof Tiles, senior management dedicate time to spend with you to enhance your learning and development. Spending time with experienced managers who have a wealth of experience has proven invaluable in terms of providing a solid understanding of the business from the start – it’s a great way to hit the ground running.” Jade is the latest in a long line of employees to have benefited from investment and training, as many in the team have gone on to enjoy successful careers at the roof tile manufacturer. Professional development at Russell Roof Tiles is encouraged across all sites. Adam Clark, 30, joined the company at its Lochmaben site in Scotland in 2017, and this year was promoted to Assistant Works Manager after undergoing training in all aspects of the business, completing advanced technology courses and working towards an SVQ qualification in management. He also visited the manufacturer’s sister company, Crown Roof Tiles in Florida, USA for a month, to develop his understanding of the wider business. Otto Mathiesen, 26, and Kirby Charlesworth, 25, both also from Swadlincote, have moved up the career ladder at Russell Roof Tiles. Otto and Kirby, who only joined in 2017, have completed specialist training courses in management, engineering and technology.
Daniel Hancox, 27, said: “I joined Russell Roof Tiles nine years ago as a trainee and have been promoted over the years to a senior position in the company, now managing operations at the plastics site on Wetmore Lane. Having risen up the ranks myself and experienced first-hand the company’s commitment to in-house progression, it’s encouraging to see new recruits being given the opportunity to widen their skill-set from the very start. “It’s clear to see that Russell Roof Tiles is dedicating time and resources to provide learning opportunities for employees, with clear plans to progress within the business. I’m delighted to welcome Jade to our team, and she has already made a fantastic start!” Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles, added: “Russell Roof Tiles recognises the importance of nurturing its staff, and developing their skills through important training and development. We know that staff members are keen to increase their knowledge in the workplace, and as a business, we welcome the opportunity for team members to learn new skills and introduce new ways of working to the team. “At Russell Roof Tiles we are proud to incorporate corporate social responsibility into our everyday business practices, and give staff the opportunity to give back to charity throughout the year at fundraising events. “We are pleased to welcome Jade to the Russell Roof Tiles team, and know she will be an integral team member within the business.”

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