Name:
Louisa Jones
Company:
Warwick North West
Position:
Social Value & Engagement Manager
What do you actually do day-to-day?
My role is all about ensuring we are maximising our role as a supplier – adding social value into the supply chain for those that we work with. That means that everyday is different, which I love!!
Just some of these things are;
- Working to increase apprenticeships within Warwick by working with local skills providers
- Representing Warwick at local networking groups to develop new relationships
- Working with local charities to support their needs – whether that is inhouse collections or supporting them with their initiatives
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, who?
I consider myself very blessed to have PL’s very own Leon McCowan as a mentor. It was one of the very first times I’d spoken publicly to a room full of people and I can still remember just how nervous I was.
Afterwards, the gentle giant we all now and love walked towards me with a massive grin on his face to tell me how well I’d done and we’ve worked together ever since. He’s massively helped to shape how I work, how I motivate myself and how I can restructure my thought processes to help me achieve more.
Does money motivate you?
The thing that motivates me most is knowing that we are using our platform in business to drive positive local change. As our revenue increases year on year, this means that our commitment to supporting those most in need can increase too.
What has been the most important event in your working life?
Moving into the corporate world in 2024 was a huge step for me. Not long after starting with Warwick, we took home Fabricator of the Year 2024. A huge part of this was due to our commitment to Social Value and our drive for change in an aging industry. This was a moment where I knew I had definitely made the right choice.
Who do you most admire?
My grandparents have always been my favourite people in the world.
They’ve taught me resilience, to always be kind, always have fun and, most importantly, there’s always time to dance.
They’re in their 90s now and still go dancing every week come rain or shine. No matter what happens, I know I’ll always be greeted at their door with a smile and a cuppa. These are definitely the things I want to be known for when I’m 90!
What does leadership mean to you?
Doing business in the right way and leading with a good heart.
This is one of the biggest factors in my move to Warwick. Our MD, Greg Johnson, is known in Liverpool for being one of the good guys in business. He conducts business in the right ways, values people for all that they bring and makes people feel heard. This then moves into every area of the business, giving the best to all staff members, to our customers and the community around us. I think it’s fair of me to say we don’t see Greg as just our boss, a boss gives out orders and dictates, Greg is Warwick’s leader, we follow his vision and most importantly he’s our mate.
What’s your favourite TV programme?
I’m a girls girl through and through. I will rewatch the same shows on repeat – mostly Gossip Girl and Grey’s Anatomy.
I also LOVE watching Strictly Come Dancing and can say, with no shame at all, that I cried pretty much every week of this last season. I might even have been inspired to take on my own challenge and hopefully lift a glitterball trophy in 2025 – watch this space!
How do you relax?
Relaxing isn’t a quality I’m well-known for. I like to do everything at a million miles an hour and don’t enjoy sitting down very much! But when I do, it’s a hot bath and a full skin care regime – all with a glass of red wine to finish it off.
Fry up or healthy smoothie?
Always a fry up – extra hash browns.
Pub or club?
Very specific – Country pub with the dog sat next to a big open fire. Even better if they do a good roast.
Gym or countryside walk?
I absolutely love a countryside walk. However, I have no bearings or sense of direction so always need someone on hand who can make sure I don’t end up stranded in the beautiful English countryside
Favourite piece of music?
I feel like this answer deserves a classical piece of music as an answer or something extremely cultured. However, Spice Girls – Spice Up Your Life was no. 1 when I was born and I think that pretty much sums me up.
Flannels or Florence & Fred?
Florence and Fred always – at least half of my wardrobe is F&F. Food shopping is too boring to do without treating myself to a new outfit afterwards.
Birkdale or Birkenhead?
Neither, I’ll always be a Bootle girl. The last 7 years supporting Bootle families through my time at Ykids were full of so much love and laughter – it’s also home to the famous Strand Butchers which should have its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Looking ahead, I’m so excited to see what the investment in Bootle will do to the area. With the regeneration of the Strand Shopping Centre and the Bootle Corridor running from Everton’s new stadium all the way through to where our Warwick offices and factory are located on Howe Street. Sefton council have done some great work recently and we are excited to play our part as a business in the upcoming developments.