Focus on Williamson Staff
To develop more effective partnerships with customers, Williamson Foodservice regularly highlights what different members of staff do within our business. This gives more of an insight into our company and hopefully improves the relationship we have with customers.
Leigh McMurtrie
Warehouse Supremo, ex-silversmith, border terrier lover and top table tennis player
One of the voices behind the phones at Williamson Foodservice is Leigh McMurtrie. She has been with the company for one year. As well as telesales, Leigh picks products for customer orders in our main warehouse, keeps an eye on stock levels and ensures invoices are correctly taken care of.
Q. How did you get into the food and drink industry?
A. I’ve worked in the bar trade since I was 18 and having run my own bar, I think I now have a good understanding of both sides of the business.
Q. How did you first learn about Williamson Food Service?
A. I was working for a competitor of Williamson’s, so I knew who they were. I also saw their vans from time to time. It’s great to be working for a growing and successful company like Williamson’s.
Q. How would you best describe Williamson Food Service?
A. Close-knit | Hard working | Variety
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. No day is ever the same. There’s plenty variation in my job. You could say I’m the Don of multi-tasking!
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. I start late morning around 10am (always a bonus) and pick products for customer orders from our extensive range. By 1pm I’m stocktaking and this information is sent over to buyers to ensure we maintain the right stock levels. In true multi-task fashion, at about 4.30pm, I spend the final part of the day as a telesales assistant and confirming orders for invoices.
Q. What’s the most interesting thing you have learned in the past 12 months?
A. The scale of Williamson’s is something that I’m amazed by. We have around 100 people working across the business now!
Q. What are your hopes or ambitions for the food and drink industry?
A. I hope the British food industry continues to grow and people from the trade and consumers alike buy more British and local produce.
Q. What might someone be surprised to know about you?
A. I’m a qualified silversmith!
Q. What food can’t you resist?
A. I’m an extremely fussy eater so plain, honest, homemade food is best. Steak and bacon is always a winner for me!
Q. What’s your passions in life or what do you like to do in your spare time?
A. At weekends I love to go hillwalking with my wee companion ‘Mr Pippz’ – my border terrier. I enjoy taking photos of beautiful places like Torridon; trout fishing (yet to get my first bite!); and socialising with friends.
Q. Do you have a favourite holiday destination and what’s so special about it?
A. I went to Egypt for my 30th birthday with my family so that was very special. Whilst there, I saw one of the seven ‘Wonders of the World’ and having decided that I wanted to experience them all, I now only have three more to see!
Q. What three things would you take if you were stranded on an island?
A. Factor 50, a machete and Bear Grylls!
Q. When are you happiest?
A. I love being at my family’s house when the sun is out playing table tennis with ‘Mr Pippz’ acting as ball boy. Or, at the top of a very steep hill with friends, my camera and a beer in hand! Oh, and when I’m at work for Williamson’s of course!