Bringing with her many years’ experience in customer-facing roles, Vanessa Taylor is a welcome addition to our sales division for 2024.

Vanessa is based in Staffordshire, so will be visiting clients and prospects across the Midlands and the North of the country.

We spoke to Vanessa to discover what led her to her current role as Sales Executive and what she’s enjoying the most about working with the TWO team so far.

What led you to apply for your new position?

I worked for a large kitchen cleaning company for nine and a half years as an Account Manager, but at the end of last year, I started to feel like it was time for a fresh start.

A former colleague made me aware of TWO’s vacancy, and from there, everything fell into place. It reminded me that things definitely happen for a reason, and so far, so good!

Tell us a little bit about your career to date.

I’ve had various roles in sales and customer services, and I was a jewellery maker for a time, too, which I absolutely loved.

Before I came into the commercial kitchen cleaning industry, I worked as a window sales representative for around 8 years. I learned a lot from that. I didn’t take the ‘high pressure’ approach – it was nothing like White Gold! – I just enjoyed being out and about and meeting new people every day. I’m definitely best suited to field roles. I love driving and have no issue with travelling to wherever I’m needed.

How are you settling into the TWO team?

I’ve only been here four weeks, but I think TWO is fab. The company is very organised, everybody has their own role, and the communication is excellent. Everybody has been really lovely, and I can already see why so many staff members stay here for such a long time.

I attended a few appointments with Margarita, Simon, and Robert initially and now I’m taking on my own assignments in the region, which is exciting. I feel very lucky to be here. I built a large client base in my previous role, including accounts for Compass Group and Sodexo, and I’m looking forward to working on my client list here at TWO. I want to give the business 100%.

You’ve been in our sector for quite some time. What do you think has changed the most about our industry in the last decade?

Generally, I’d say it’s the attitude towards remote working that’s been one of the most significant things to come out of the last few years. The shift to working from home means that companies need to place a lot of trust in their staff, and vice versa. And everybody got a new perspective on things after Covid, of course. Personally, it taught me that life is too short, and you need to go after the things you want!

What do you get up to outside of work?

I’m married, with a daughter (who’s nearly 20) and a puppy, who’s like my shadow. I love travelling and I’m always planning my next trip! I went to Cape Verde recently, which was amazing; it’s the perfect place to go away for a week and relax. I enjoy my Caribbean cruises and I’d say my favourite place in the world is probably Dubai. I think it’s important to explore whenever and wherever you can and see what’s out there in the world.