In this International Women’s Day series, we chat with Kim Moate, Andron’s Support Services Manager at Golden Square Shopping Centre. Kim shares her love for leading community and social impact projects, advice for women looking to enter the Facilities Management industry, and what this year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, means to her (and much more).
Please tell us a little about yourself and your role at Andron.
My role as Support Services Manager is all about people. Not only do I look after the internal recruitment, payroll, training, and HR for our shopping centre, but I am also our community liaison and get to work with some incredible schools, charities, and initiatives within the borough of Warrington. Golden Square is at the heart of the community, and having Andron’s support to bring projects to life while giving back to those communities is the best part of my job!
Which women inspire you the most outside of work?
Working with local charities and community groups gives me an insight into why they were created in the first place. Recently, we had the honour of hosting a vigil for the family and friends of Brianna Ghey. It was a privilege to work with Brianna’s Mother, Ester Ghey.
Ester Ghey has created the Peace in Mind Foundation, aiming to raise funds to place mindfulness experts in schools to help build a more empathetic and understanding society. The fact that Esther has the strength to create something beautiful and positive after going through such tragedy has been so inspiring to me.
What is your proudest achievement while working at Andron?
I have two! The first is that Cheryl Stewart and Paul Orru chose me to represent Andron in the two major tender presentations last year.
Being able to talk about the incredible Social Value projects Andron drive and collaborates on and what we have achieved internally at Golden Square was amazing. The second would be winning the ‘Living by our Values’ award in the Going the Extra Mile Awards last year. I was delighted to be nominated in the first place and never expected to win! I think it’s really special how Andron rewards and recognises their employees for a job well done.
This year’s IWD theme is Inspire Inclusion. In what ways does Andron help you feel included at work?
Actimo has really helped drive inclusion at Andron. Being able to see the amazing achievements made by our wider colleagues has brought us together, and we feel like a big Andron family!
Whether it’s good news stories, long service awards, or community projects, it’s great to sit under the Andron umbrella and know what is happening within the Company.
Alongside this, the fact that Andron supports us in attending volunteer projects is really valuable. I got to attend ‘Cash for Kids’ in Manchester last Christmas with Tariq. Being able to donate our time to pack gifts for Children who may have gone without a Christmas present due to living below the poverty line was an experience I won’t forget.
Following on from this, what kind of influence do you strive to have on your female colleagues around you to ensure everyone feels valued and included?
I think it’s really important to create an inclusive culture and live by strong values. I try to create a collaborative environment where every voice is heard, and no idea is off the table. I think when people feel heard, it empowers their confidence and fosters a positive mindset.
Finally, what advice would you give to women looking to start a career in the facilities management industry?
I think it’s important to know your stuff but also look for ways in which you can add value.
Before working in FM, I was a Luxury Retail Manager for 20 years. Although I knew nothing about FM, I did my research and quickly realised I had loads of transferrable skills I could bring to the Company.
As a recruiter, I always look for ‘soft skills,’ which are personal attributes related to how well you can adapt and work with others. These are super important in any role. Everything else can be taught and picked up along the way!