In her last employed role, Nicola was an Operations and Commercial Manager within the construction industry. She was responsible for leading sustainable growth, identifying and developing the people, products and processes needed to establish the business as a ‘go to’ supplier for turnkey solutions. . She managed teams to deliver complex projects in excess of +£15m contract value, and in her last 12 months in this role, Nicola grew her division by approximately 40% which had a significant positive impact on the company’s reputation and visibility.
This was a role in which Nicola thrived, and she now offers these commercial business skills to entrepreneurial businesses where she can partner directly with the business leaders to create momentum and deliver results!
A franchise with The Passionate PA offered her just that. Nicola joined us in May 2022, becoming a business owner in her own right and leveraging a solid support structure which allows her to put all her incredible skills and experience to use every single day.
Prior to her decision to become a business owner, Nicola had a varied and successful career. Back in 2007 she was a valued member of the Senior Management Team with a large secondary school, responsible for strategic and administrative HR, financial budgets and reporting, and facilities management.
In 2011 she felt ready for the next step in her career and became Head of Facilities and Safety at Spicers Ltd. Reporting into the Board, Nicola had responsibility for Facilities Management (hard and soft), Property Management, Site Maintenance, Fleet Management, Insurance and Health & Safety across the UK and Ireland including offices and distribution centres. It was here that Nicola achieved her Health & Safety qualifications.
From this role, in 2013, Nicola found her place at Portakabin – initially as a Hire Manager and then as Regional Commercial and Operations Manager. This is where she achieved her Level 5 ILM in Leadership and Management and really developed from being a manager to also being a coach and mentor for her teams. Nicola believes there is nothing better as a manager than seeing your team’s confidence and self-belief grow and, of course, this also brings commercial success for all.
The largest project Nicola managed at Portakabin was a £15 million student accommodation building, won through competitive tender, for a prestigious University.
All of these roles have given Nicola huge commercial experience and insight. When she isn’t knocking around building sites (see hard hat picture below), or in the board room, she can be found enjoying time with family and friends, watching cricket or in her gorgeous garden. Nicola is a consummate professional with ambition and drive, yet full to the brim with personality and can-do attitude. Clients and Passionate PAs alike say she’s a joy to work with.