Hannah Stone, Sales Co-ordinator - DML

Tell us a little more about your background? How long have you been with ForFarmers?

I’ve been at ForFarmers for just over six years now and I started on the planning team. Since then I have moved over to the sales co-ordinator team, which is fairly new and provides a link between trading and planning. 

Before joining ForFarmers I worked in children’s centres, but I was looking for a new challenge. Despite not having an agricultural background, ForFarmers seemed like an interesting company to work for, and I was excited to take my career in a new direction.

How did ForFarmers support you during your career change?

From my first interview, I got the sense that ForFarmers would be a supportive place to work, and that the role would be something I would enjoy. Throughout my time at ForFarmers I have been given training and different opportunities which have helped me grow and progress. I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to get out to industry events and on visits which have helped me to build my knowledge and form strong relationships with our customers.

What does your role involve?

We predominantly deal with food manufacturers where we uplift the by-product, including breweries and distilleries, and manage production at these sites. Ultimately, we are responsible for the planning side of it, so we have to ensure that we are selling the right amount of whatever they need uplifting. We are also responsible for managing the relationship with both the sites and the customer on our end, as well as the product haulage.

What do you enjoy about your role?

It keeps me on my toes! Even with best-made plans, everything can change at a moment’s notice. For example, a brewery could break down and not be able to produce the product, so we then have to contact the customer and find a solution. It’s very different to managing a product which is manufactured in-house as you have less control, but it makes every day interesting.

What do you like about working at ForFarmers?

I value the training opportunities as well as the chance to get out and about. I recently did a trade awareness course down in Portbury which was very interesting. I also like getting out to visit our mills and our customers’ sites as it helps to bring it all to life and gives me more understanding of the challenges they face.

My colleagues are fantastic and very supportive which also helps, particularly on the more challenging days. There is a lot of knowledge and experience within the business, and I have learned a huge amount from my colleagues. I believe it is important to listen and to want to learn more; the more you are interested, the more you grow as an individual.

What do you like to do outside of work?

First and foremost, I am a mum to my 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. Sometimes it feels like a second job, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I also really enjoy spending time outdoors whenever I can. I love to walk and we are currently planning a camping trip to Wales next summer.