Welcome to our monthly series Meet the Team, where we spotlight the extraordinary people that make Bayley & Sage so special. This month’s feature is on Tom, our fantastic HR manager. Read the full interview below!
1. How long have you been working at Bayley & Sage and what different roles have you held within the company? What is your role now?
I’ve had the pleasure of working at Bayley & Sage for 2 years. I initially joined the team as a recruiter, and have since grown into my current role as an HR Manager, where I am responsible for all of our amazing people.
2. What’s your favourite thing about working at Bayley & Sage?
Most definitely the people! We have such incredible teams that do brilliant things each day.
3. Who has inspired you the most throughout your career?
I would say that the person who has inspired me most throughout my career is my mum. Her kindness, dedication, work ethic and support has had a profound impact on me as an individual and my career so far.
4. Have you always worked in this industry? If not, what other types of roles have you held?
Before joining Bayley & Sage and transitioning to HR, I spent the majority of my early career in the hospitality sector. I began as a team member at a well-known restaurant chain, where I advanced to a management position. During this period, I worked at various busy locations in central London and Kent, gaining valuable experience and skills.
5. What’s the best advice you could give someone who’s just starting out in their career?
The best pieces of advice I would give to someone who’s just starting out in their career is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Resilience will be key for your long-term success and will help support your own personal growth.
6. What are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is successfully completing my university degree. It was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey that taught me a great deal about perseverance.
Another accomplishment that I’m proud of was successfully completing my CIPD qualification which allowed my transition into a career within HR. It was at times a challenge, especially whilst working full-time, however it has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
7. What are you most looking forward to this year, both personally and professionally?
What I’m most looking forward to this year is spending some quality time with family and friends, and maybe squeezing in a trip to Europe in the process.
Professionally I am looking forward to all the new challenges this year brings.
8. If you could only eat one thing from Bayley & Sage for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
This is a difficult one, I am a huge cheese lover so any of the incredible cheese’s we stock (I don’t think I could choose just one!). I am also partial to a Bayley & Sage Chicken Katsu Wrap, It is my go-to lunch option during the week!
9. How do you spend your time when you’re not at Bayley & Sage?
When not working I enjoy a variety of things such as watching movies, hiking, art and cooking.
10. What’s one interesting fact that we might not know about you?
I am a fluent Welsh speaker and English is my second language. Diolch am ddarllen!