We are celebrating two special anniversaries this month at International Forwarding. Sales support supervisor Marie O’Brien celebrated an amazing 19 years with the company last week. And customs adviser Brenda Lloyd, who has been with us for 22 years, also celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary.
As a company with a high number of long-serving employees, IFL has our experienced, dedicated staff to thank for making our customer service among the best in the business.
Marie is one of Team IFL’s superstars and a valued member of staff – the sales team calls her ‘Super Mario’. She is pictured with IFL directors Nigel Parsons and Andy Grubb. To celebrate her 19th work anniversary, we asked Marie to spill the beans on working with IFL and about her career in the fast lane of European freight forwarding…
Icebreaker question! Have you ever been told you look like someone famous, who was it?
Rachel Hunter now I am blonde! I’m thinking more Rod Stewart…
What does your job at IFL involve?
It’s a varied role. My main focus is on sales but I also manage several of our key accounts, which I am solely responsible for. I also handle sea and air consignments.
How have recent events affected your work?
Brexit has been biggest challenge so far – in whole career I have never know the job to be so difficult.
What are you known for at work?
Being fairly bubbly, and sometimes loud, but with a big heart.
What’s your background?
This is only my third job in the industry since accepting a position on a YTS youth training scheme (remember them?) called Freight Train many years ago. Another former colleague worked here and let me know there was a job available.
What’s it like to work at IFL?
Even though we have some bad days, IFL is like a family and we all try to look out for each other – that goes a long way in these difficult times.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
I get challenges set from some of the bigger clients (I think they like to test me). One such request was to get several trailers from Italy just two days before Italy shut down due to Covid-19. It was quite complicated to pull it off but I managed it. I like getting my teeth into a job and seeing it through from start to finish.
Why should businesses use IFL in your opinion?
I can honestly say that where IFL is different is that we care, and want to ensure that we do each and every job to the best of our ability. Our customers are never just a number. It’s the personal touch that stands us out from the rest.
Thank you, Marie, for taking the time to do our fourth Q&A with IFL staff (see more here).
Happy anniversary to Brenda
We also want to recognise and give a shout-out to Brenda Lloyds, customs adviser, who runs our Swiss export service. Brenda is another one of IFL’s longest-serving employees. She has been with the company since 1999, clocking up 22 years last month. This month she also celebrates her 25th wedding anniversary.
Happy anniversary, Brenda, and many congratulations!
Get in touch
To talk to our experienced, friendly staff about how we can help your business with UK pallet delivery, European groupage, warehousing storage or any other freight forwarding services, please contact us at:
Tel: +44 (0)1675 434690
Email: enquiries@internationalforwarding.co.uk
We look forward to helping you any way we can.
