How long have you both worked for The Trafford Centre?

Ann S: I started work here as a Receptionist nearly 10 years ago, but before coming to The Trafford Centre I was employed for a long time as a secretary. This was a completely different environment - no two days are ever the same, and I’m meeting new people all the time, which is what I like most about it.

Ann L: I joined The Trafford Centre nine years ago as a cashier at the petrol station after working as a telephonist for a taxi firm. Two years later I transferred to Customer Services and really enjoyed working in the busy environment on the Malls before moving to Reception in 2003. It’s a very happy place to work, so vacancies don’t arise here too often!

What does a typical day involve?

Ann S: We both work full time, and cover Reception from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Louise, a part-time colleague, has just rejoined the company after relocating to the Midlands three years ago, so we’re happy to have her back on the team.

Our job is to greet visitors and callers to the Management Suite in an efficient and courteous manner, and help people with enquiries or problems. Visitors and calls are all logged, and we take and deliver messages all over the Centre.

Ann L: We work with people all the time, on the phone and face to face, and take pride in being professional and approachable. I love the variety my job involves – one minute we might be making a few jokes to put nervous applicants at ease while they’re waiting for interview, and the next we’re dealing with a celebrity who’s arrived to perform in The Orient. Sometimes, when the rest of the Customer Services team are short staffed, I’m asked to help out in The Malls, and we also lend a hand with general admin if it’s needed.

What other skills have you gained during your time at The Trafford Centre?

Ann S: Between us, Ann and I have completed 79 training courses at The Trafford Centre, including our NVQ Level 2 in Customer Services, which is pretty good going for two grandmas! We’ve also done a wide range of Customer Service training in addition to subjects like Conflict Resolution, Equal Opportunities and Teambuilding.

Ann L: The training we’ve had helps us to do our job well, so we can be confident and make people feel welcome when they arrive at Reception.

And who’s been your favourite visitor to Reception?

Ann L: I shouldn’t name names, should I? But Simon Webbe from Blue was really lovely!