Being bright and cheerful gets you a long way!

Hannah was at first a temp, covering absence on our reception desk. This job was initially for just two days and now seven years later, Hannah is still with us having worked in a number of departments, progressing to her current role as Senior Contract Coordinator.

It is safe to say Hannah is chatty, friendly and loves helping people and she believes enthusiasm and a bright persona helped her to remain at the company.

She explains:

“In the contracts department, it’s our job to manage the programme of planned works – so everything that is not an emergency. Our teams are responsible for installing new kitchens and bathrooms, decorating, gas central heating installations, all external works, empty homes, testing of ventilation and electrics, adaptations and asbestos.” 

Prior to KWL, Hannah studied Sociology at The University of Hull and then worked for an online fashion retailer in Leeds. She explains:  

“I loved living in Leeds and the job I was doing. As a twenty-something I would never have imagined myself working in construction, but when my partner at the time (now husband) and I made the decision to return to Hull for family reasons, it felt right for us both. I signed up to a temping agency, got the two-day role at KWL and I’ve been here ever since.” 

“Following my short time on the reception, I got another temporary role on the electrical section which was made permanent, I mostly worked on the street lighting contract and really enjoyed it. I often thought that if this was my working life forever, I would be completely satisfied and being so comfortable is a great feeling. But when the job within the Contracts Department came up I was encouraged to go for the promotion and decided to challenge myself. I am so pleased that I did.” 

“The work that I do is so varied, I enjoy the fact that no two days are the same and the projects we work on are all completely different.” 

“At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, our planned programme was re-worked to concentrate on empty properties and refurbishment projects such as Newtown Court. As well as our High-rise ventilation testing and external painting. We plan to get back to the original programme within the next couple of months.” 

“My role is mainly office based. We have a fantastic atmosphere and I feel so lucky to work as part of this team, we all get on really well and I’ve made lots of friends.” 

“I love the fact that we are able to listen to music, it’s just in the background but it really helps me concentrate and makes the office a relaxing place to be.” 

“The Supervisors and Managers at KWL are so supportive when it comes to training and progression. I feel I am another great example of what opportunities are available. It’s not just all about having a trade – there’s a misconception about the construction industry as there are so many job roles within it.” 

Hannah is the proud mum of two year old William, pleased to be enjoying days out as a family, visiting places with animals – which William loves. She says: 

“During lockdown childcare has been a huge challenge for many parents. Initially my husband and I struggled as we are both key workers, working from home full time. With a little one running around it’s really difficult. But KWL were really flexible and made it easy for me to fit work in around looking after our son. We then managed to get him into a nursery for three days each week, he loves it and it has made everything so much easier for us as a family.” 

As the Mum of a toddler Hannah doesn’t have a lot of spare time but she said there is something most people won’t know about her – she absolutely loves playing story-based board games chasing mythical creatures through fantasy worlds!