We are delighted to announce that we’re celebrating two promotions within the Browns team. Nicola Ikin and Daniel Penfold have been promoted to Customer Support Manager and Network Freight Manager respectively. With nearly 15 years of combined experience at Browns, Nicola and Daniel have been key players in their teams, and our journey of growth. Nicola, who joined Browns in 2014, initially made her mark in the admin team before moving to customer support and steadily climbing the ranks. Dan began his journey at Browns in 2019 as a Transport Planner in the network freight department. After a brief 7-month departure, he returned to join the general haulage team in 2021. Kerry Wood, Account Manager said: Nicola and Dan have shown incredible growth and development and will continue to bring invaluable knowledge and experience to their teams. We appreciate their willingness to embrace new challenges and are confident in their success in their new roles. We caught up with Nicola and Dan below to hear about their Browns journey so far, and their experiences in the logistics industry. Check it out! Q: Hey Dan, how is everything going? How have you found the transition to the Palletline team from General Haulage? Everything is good - I'm just getting used to being back on the Palletline team after 3 years away. The transition has been smoother than expected, everyone has been really helpful and supportive in our office and also at Palletline. Q: What’s your main goal/objective for your team over the next 12 months? I want us to get a Top Liner award from Palletline for hitting our KPIs. That'd be a great confidence boost for the team! Q: If your work style could be represented by a movie character, who would it be and why? I would liken my work style to Kung Fu Panda - I started from the bottom, mentored by Mick Stirzaker (Master Shifu) to progress up through the ranks at Browns. Q: Put yourself in a customer’s shoes, what’s the most important quality that you’d appreciate from your logistics partner? I would want complete honesty and proactiveness. There is nothing worse than finding out something which affects you from a 3rd party source. If things are to go wrong, which does happen in transport, I would expect nothing but clarity and we deliver that at Browns through our teams. Q: We know you are Browns’ biggest Stoke fan - What’s the one realistic signing you’d like Stoke to make this season? Realistic? I don't see why Messi wouldn't fancy a crack at the Championship to prove he can do it on a wet and windy night at Stoke! Now back to the real world... A decent striker wouldn't go amiss, someone like Jay Stansfield, Tom Cannon or a cheeky punt for Cameron Archer would be nice. Admin: It's not for everyone... Q: In your opinion, what sets Browns apart from other logistics providers in the industry? Browns is a very unique company. I have worked for other competitors in the area but they do not have the same atmosphere that we have here at Browns. At Browns, there is a constant push for progression whether that be technology wise, with their image or with the staff. Q: What would you say to someone new to the logistics industry to help them succeed? The best advice I can give is to always listen to the people around you, be nosey and observe everything that is going on. Also, do not be scared to make decisions, I know it can be daunting but if you make the wrong decision, you will learn for next time and become a lot more confident in all aspects of the job. Q: Stoke to win the Premier League, or England to win the World Cup? What a question! It has to be England to win the World Cup, just imagine the scenes. Q: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the future? I would like to progress in transport and obtain my Transport Manager CPC qualification to further broaden my knowledge of logistics. Q: Hey Nicola, you’re firmly settled into your new role now, how is everything going? Yes, everything is going fantastic, I'm constantly learning new things within the business to help with my role. Kerry is so suportive and the perfect role model. Q: You’ve been at Browns for 10 years now! Can you tell us a bit about your journey so far, from where it all began, to where you are today? I was recommended by my friend Jade for a role at Browns while I was working as a hairdresser. Despite having no experience in the logistics industry, my thirst for a new challenge led me to join the Admin team! I worked in Admin for roughly a year until Browns needed to expand the customer service department, and I was offered the opportunity to move into this area. Since then, I have grown in the customer service department, gaining knowledge and experience, and progressing from Team Leader to Supervisor, and now to Manager. Q: What do you enjoy most about your role? There are a few things! First would be the team, it’s all well and good being a manager, but without a team to lead, the department would not run the way it does. The endless laughs we have are the most important! And providing the best services possible for our customers, keeping them and their customers happy. Q: If your customer service skills could be summed up by a song, what would it be? Ain't no Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross! “If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far” Admin: Ain't no mountain high, ain't no valley low... What a tune! Q: Put yourself in a customer’s shoes, what’s the most important quality that you’d appreciate from your logistics partner? Honesty and concise communication. Q: Blue-sky thinking now. What’s the craziest thing you’d like to see Browns do in the future? (maybe it’s offering an air freight service or opening a depot abroad!) I would love the business to grow even further and open a new site whether this being in the UK or abroad. Q: We know you love your live music! What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to, and if you could see any artist (dead or alive), who would it be? I have been to Benicàssim festival in Spain, and that was a big job! The biggest artist I have seen would probably be Stevie Wonder! I would love to have seen Elvis or Queen live. Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in logistics? Have an open mind and make a real effort to learn as much as you can This mindset has really helped me in my time at Browns, especially by being able to approach any problem in an understanding way, from yours and the customer's perspective. From the office, to the warehouse, to the drivers. There is always room to learn! Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’d love to achieve? At present, one of the things on the top of my bucket list is to get married in Vegas and get wed by Elvis. (I'm waiting for my partner to pop the question, it's only been 11 years...) Q: And finally… What’s next for Nicola? Where do you see yourself in the next few years? I want to gain more knowledge and experience in my current role. And then, I’m happy to take on whatever life chucks at me?!
