TGtB Meets? Becky Johnson

Following the prestigious Bath Chronicle Business Awards 2014, held at Bath Racecourse on the 11th of September 2014, we caught up with the winner of Best Employee; Becky Johnson ? the Retail & Training Manager at Fabulous in SouthGate.

Congratulations on your win! Tell us a little bit about your business?

Thank you! It was a surprise to me to be nominated but to also win as I was up against two long term members of staff who have obviously done a lot for their businesses too.

I run two Contemporary Designer Jewellery Stores in Bath, one being the Pandora store and the other is Fabulous. Both are based in SouthGate, Bath. We stock a wide range of over 30 different brands of jewellery in Fabulous such as Thomas Sabo, Vivienne Westwood, Swarovski and Pandora. We are also the sole UK stockist for some of the brands too.

We are an independent company owned by Jo Stroud, founded in 2005 in Royal Leamington Spa. Jo the opened the Solihull store in 2007 then, Fabulous Bath in 2010 and finally Pandora in 2012.

What does winning this award mean for you and your company?

As a small independent company it means a huge amount to know that people have heard of us and have noticed how hard we have worked. Even though it was a personal award for me I see it as a success of the team because their hard work and commitment to me has proved we can do the things we set out to do.

Why do you think you won?

I don’t like to blow my own trumpet, but I think it is down to the fact that I manage two very successful stores as well as manage the staff training for the entire company.

 I also undertake any activity there is such as a 50K walk for Breast Cancer Campaign or launching a new Jewellery Amnesty within Bath and the Midlands to raise money for Charity too.

I co-ordinate any event in Bath whether it be our Girls Night Out Fashion show or our Garden Party in the Summer or even Bath in Fashion. We always like to be involved in the Bath activities too.

How are you planning to celebrate your victory?

I will drink some Champagne and hopefully go out with my team soon to say thank you for the hard work.

Business is clearly booming, why do you think so many people visit Bath?

Bath is a City that has so much to offer. You can shop, sight-see, eat and drink all within the one place.

It isn’t as Commercialised as a lot of other towns and cities and has lots of Independent stores to explore.

What's your favourite thing about Bath and why?

Exactly what I’ve just mentioned. If I plan to go shopping I make a day of it and take in all that Bath has to offer.

Tell us a little bit about the role that you play within the business?

My role as the Retail and Training Manager means I look after the daily running of Fabulous and Pandora, Bath. I am responsible for the stores performance, staffing, and stock management. As well as this I look after the training for the company, making sure everyone is up-to-date on the latest brands, projects, material etc.

What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in your industry?

You have to enjoy the products you work with. Be friendly, personal and knowledgeable. And take on any job or activity thrown at you. And finally have fun!