Kay Wren | 20 Years At Orion Electrotech

Being asked to write something about working in a company for over 20 years is not an easy task!! 

I first joined Orion Electrotech in November 2001 when the Rail team was set up, it was an exciting time to be starting a new team – Business Manager / Consultant and myself.  The Rail Industry holds a lot of restrictions, regulations and compliance due to the safety critical nature, which we learnt very quickly.  The team’s success was fast-tracked and before we knew it we were the biggest and most successful team in the Reading office.  

In 2003 I was asked to become a Quality Manager and we went through the process of setting up a Quality Management System to run alongside a Link-up accreditation.  This was all very daunting with external companies auditing our procedures and processes. 

To date my biggest achievement is being one of the first Recruitment Businesses to move to ISO 9001:2015, we were among very few companies that achieved their accreditation early.  Another great achievement between myself and 3 colleagues was implementing our anniversary rewards, something that the whole company can benefit from and the rewards are always greatly received. 

What I have always loved about Orion is the fun and noisy atmosphere, before working at Orion I worked in various industries and the sales environment is certainly an uplifting place to work. 

I have had many great moments at Orion – I started as a young single, met my husband, got married, and had my children, during which time I have always been supported, especially with the flexibility of returning part-time.  The support that I have been shown over the years has been very special, especially and most importantly with the loss of my daughter who was stillborn, Orion were absolutely supportive and amazing to me during this time. Two years ago I was offered an opportunity to work in a team supporting bereaved parents at our local maternity hospital, our Director was supportive in allowing me to drop my hours to enable me to do this. 

Over the years I have experienced a lot of greats being pushed professionally to achieve more along with visiting some great restaurants and amazing places.  I have been to New York, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubai, and Paris to name a few. 

I have learnt over the years that there is never a ‘quiet’ moment in recruitment and to always keep an audit trail (it has helped many times with situations over the years).  Most people are aware that salespeople aren’t always naturally compliant, however, they know I will be on their case so they soon learn. 

Finally in December as I pass my 21years at Orion I am due to visit Australia, something which I wouldn’t have been able to afford without the £5000 - anniversary reward that I received on my 20th work anniversary.