The Standard Issue 4 2023

MEET NICKY ELLIS,
PBICSc, CUSTOMER SUPPORT ADVISOR
I left college at 19 after studying
business and finance for three years.
I chose not to go to university,
it wasn’t for me, I wanted to get out
into the world and start earning.
My first position started with
Kuehne and Nagel working on the
shop floor. By age 21 I had worked
my way up the ladder through stock
control and being a forklift driver.
I even purchased my first house.
During my eight years with K & N I
got married and started a family.
K & N decided to relocate,
I was facing redundancy but found
a position which introduced me to
customer service and admin.
Over the years I worked my way
round the departments picking up
skills as I went, which provided me
with further experience and a wealth
of knowledge, granting me access to
higher paid positions.
Working across different sectors
taught me a lot about the challenges
faced and the best processes to put
into practice to overcome them.
I also met so many different people
from backgrounds and cultures, some
of whom I still remain in touch with.
Now my children are grown and
not so dependent on me, I decided
I wanted to change the direction of
my career. I wanted something more
worthwhile. BICSc were advertising
and the position was exactly what I
was looking for. After a really pleasant
interview, here I am!
Having worked in the water treatment
industry organising the clean and
disinfection of cooling towers and
water storage tanks. I worked with
clients across many industries from
medical, hospitality, industrial and
education. I thought some of my
training could be used in the position
BICSc was offering.
I was trained in legionella, disinfection,
chemical handling, writing risk
assessments and health and safety.
Whilst doing my LTP these skills came
in very handy.
In my first week at BICSc I was made
very welcome. The staff made me feel
so comfortable I felt like I had been
here much longer.
I was invited to the illustrious
BICSc awards which
was a good networking
opportunity to meet
potential and existing
clients, as well as to
see what BICSc
stood for as
a training
provider.
As our members and their employees
received awards and recognition of
their work, you could see their faces
light up and how proud they were.
It really hit home how very little
opportunity people in this industry
have to be acknowledged.
As my training with BICSc
commenced, I even picked up some
tips for my own home. Did you know
that antibacterial spray needs a
contact time? I didn’t! I was a wipe and
go. Now I know better!
I was also advised to fill a rubber
glove with a part white vinegar
and part water solution to descale
a shower head. I know this works
particularly well.
I’m no longer using Google or
Pinterest. In fact, my colleagues have
now replaced them.
I’m glad I joined BICSc the team are
very close and supportive of each
other as well as their external clients.
Building relationships with my peers is
important to me hence my longevity in
a customer service role.
I look forward to the future.
Kind regards
NIcky
NICKY ELLIS,
PBICSc, Customer
Support Advisor
18 | 19