Nine years on from starting her career at a Norfolk company which helps keeps people and businesses safe worldwide, Laura Hutt is taking on the role of operations manager. Laura joined Britannia Fire in October 2012, and is now taking on the senior post at the company based near Wymondham.
She said: “It is something I have been working towards by understanding the business and the manufacturing process. It was the perfect opportunity and time for me to accept this promotion.”
The new role will see her overseeing the production and manufacturing process, health and safety, and making sure customers are getting the help and support they need. “I am absolutely passionate about high levels of customer service, and it is a great opportunity to be able to do this as a job,” said Laura.
P50 extinguisher
The company first started manufacturing fire extinguishers at Ashwellthorpe in the 1970s and now produces and provides them across the UK to major employers like West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, Heathrow Airport, and the bookmakers Ladbrokes as well as exporting worldwide to the likes of Germany, the Netherlands, and India.
It is known globally for its P50 extinguisher which is a composite model meaning it lasts 10 years and does not need regular servicing.
Laura’s role
In 2017, Laura was promote as a business coordinator which increased her knowledge of manufacturing
Laura’s first role at Britannia Fire was as a UK sales administrator processing orders and making sure orders went out when they should.
Two years later, she got promoted to work on exporting learning how to process the varying types of paperwork and administration needed to ensure orders can be delivered in a safe and timely way to different nations.
Then in 2017, she was promoted to be business coordinator which increased her knowledge of manufacturing and purchasing, also helping her prepare for her new role.
Support and camaraderie
For Laura, the support and camaraderie within the company have been important to her during her career journey. She said: “The people who work here are fantastic and we are all like a big family. Everyone is so dedicated with a really strong work ethic. They want to make the product and get it delivered to the customer as efficiently as possible.”
She is particularly proud that the company boasts a diverse staff while also creating and maintaining jobs in the heart of South Norfolk. “It is lovely to have such a wide range of people working here,” she said.
“It is a fantastic industry to get involved in because it is not just about manufacturing. It is about exporting too and there are so many different things you can do. We all come together as a team. I have had great opportunities here.”
Steering the company
Part of this ethos comes from company founder and managing director Roger Carr who has been steering the company since first setting up in business in 1968. “He absolutely loves this business and has been passionate about it for so many years. He is a real role model to all of us,” said Laura.