UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Staff Stories
Fancy getting to know the folks behind our brand? Well now's your chance. Get up close and personal with the people who make Barker and Stonehouse the brand it is.
Alan Smith Visual Merchandiser, Darlington | 35 years
Q. Why did you choose to work at Barker & Stonehouse?
A. I worked at a furniture store for 9 years before Barker and Stonehouse and it just wasn't for me. I knew Barker and Stonehouse was the best of the best, so i applied and got the job. 35 years later, I'm still here!
Q. Are any two days the same?
A. Oh, everyday is different! Each day brings new creative challenges which keeps it exciting!
Q. What's your first / best memory at Barker and Stonehouse?
A. My first memory is when I first started at the store on Linthorpe Road. The cleaner turned to me and said "the sink's blocked" and i replied with "sorry, I don't do sinks!" but I very soon realised that this was a company where no matter who you were or what your role was, everybody gets stuck in to help to get the job done. That's a family firm and this I feel is my family.
Lewis Metcalfe Microsoft Dynamics Team Member | 7 years
Q. Describe your role in three words?
A. Challenging, rewarding and creative!
Q. Why did you choose to work at Barker & Stonehouse?
A. I was offered an apprenticeship scheme here – which I would highly recommend! It’s a great local business, filled with lovely staff and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Q. What aspect of your role do you most enjoy?
A. Definitely learning new skills daily, helping others and making a positive change to the future of the business.
Linda Purdie HR Manager | 2 years
Q. Why did you choose to work at Barker & Stonehouse?
A. I chose to work at Barker and Stonehouse as it is a well-established family company with family values.
Q. What aspect of your role do you most enjoy?
A. I am passionate about HR and I enjoy all aspects of my role. I love not knowing what my day will bring and how my role fits into the bigger picture!
Q. What's been your biggest achievement to date at Barker and Stonehouse?
A. I feel I have achieved so much at Barker and Stonehouse and I believe I have added value to the role, however, I would say the biggest achievement has been ensuring the company and the employees get through COVID-19.
Ian McNee Store Manager, Hull | 15 years
Q. What is the environment like in your team workspace?
A. It’s a great environment. The store is always a comfortable environment for the customers and of course we get to work in this environment every week. The Shopfloor itself never stays the same long - the displays gradually change over time and there's always something new.
Q. What do you love about working at Barker and Stonehouse?
A. I very much enjoy the day-to-day work of the store. Highlights include, being on the forefront and seeing the customers making their purchases, helping the team develop, making improvements and hitting targets. I’m really hands on in my management style so I like to get involved in speaking with the customers and unpacking the new products that come through. I like a very varied role and my current role has a bit of everything - I really enjoy it.
Q. How do you think working at Barker and Stonehouse has developed your career?
A. I've been able develop my skillset from my first role as Sales Administrator, to today as Branch Manager. Of course, I needed to bring the can-do attitude and have the versatility to develop, but the company has very much supported me through every step.
Julia HowarthBed Sales Specialist, Knaresborough | 14 years
Q. How has your role developed over time?
A. I began my role in admin for the Knaresborough office in our previous Knaresborough store. I was always interested in getting onto the sales floor, however because everyone likes working here, nobody ever seemed to leave! After 4 and a 1/2 years in the office, a position became available, and I jumped at the chance to apply. Fortunately, I was successful and have been on the bedroom sales floor ever since.
Q. What is the environment like in your team workspace?
A. The environment is friendly, open and full of light, a pleasure to work in.
Q. Do you find Barker and Stonehouse to be a positive and supportive place to work?
A. I enjoy meeting new people, and of course, the buzz of getting the sales too. I love the diverse and ever-changing ranges of furniture and accessories, how the shopfloor displays change with the current trends, seeing all the new supplier products and learning about these new collections. I have also had the opportunity to attend supplier training trips to learn about products and have even been to Germany to do this.
Ruby WalkerAftersales Management Team | 2.5 years
Q. How has your role developed over time?
A. I was recruited as an Administrator in 2019 and I progressed to a Team Leader as new opportunities came up in the department.
The expansion of the Hub happened quickly and because of this, a position opened to support the Department Manager in a management position.
I gave a presentation and answered interview-style questions for the Head of Learning Development and Department Manager. I went for the job alongside some of my colleagues and I still feel lucky to have been given the opportunity, still being quite new to the business.
Q. What do you love about working at Barker and Stonehouse?
A. My favourite part about working for Barker and Stonehouse is the fact you can feel it’s a family-run business - I think this is because all departments work close together to achieve the same goals.
I also find that because of the support and encouragement you are offered from people from all around the company, you feel valued as a part of the business, rather than just a number.
One of my favourite things about working for the Aftersales Department is the people. Everyone is so friendly, supportive and bubbly, and they all want to achieve.
The environment is fast-paced and busy, but I thrive from a challenge – no two days are the same and that’s exactly the kind of place that I enjoy.
Q. What would you say to someone thinking of applying to a job and Barker and Stonehouse?
A. I would highly recommend working at Barker and Stonehouse – it has the right balance of challenge and support to help you achieve.
Tasha TeixeiraSales Assistant, Guildford | 1 year
Q. What is the environment like in your team workspace?
A. The environment is the best I have ever worked in. It is supportive and friendly, which makes day-to-day work very pleasant.
Q. Any particular career highlights?
A. A particularly large order from a great week of sales where I was lucky enough to place top of the company for 1 week.
This was something I had never imagined to be possible as I had no idea I could do so well with no experience in sales before.
Q. What would you say to someone thinking of applying to a job and Barker and Stonehouse?
A. You will not regret it for one second, the support is next to none.