2025-01-23
We’re thrilled to share this significant milestone for 3 of our team members, Emma Brown (Head of Marketing), Carolyn Mars (Head of HR) and Roy Mansell (North London BDM).
In this special blog, we’ve asked them to share their SortRefer journey over the last decade…
What your first day was like – 10 years ago – if you can remember it?
Emma – I remember my first day like it was yesterday. I joined on the same day as my colleague Carolyn Mars, so it made the first day much easier, as we were going through the same process at the same time. The first day was trying to remember names, getting to grips with SortRefer, the financial and conveyancing industry and generally taking everything in.
Roy – I was in a room learning the system, I didn’t see the light of day for three days!
Carolyn - My first day was at our first office, a two up, two down shop fronted office in a small village – a totally different environment to the Corporate offices I had been used to. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and I instantly felt at ease and like part of a family.
Can you share a funny memory or the most unexpected thing that has happened during your time here?
Emma – This one is a tough one! While I can’t pinpoint one individual example, the last 10 years has been full of great memories, with no two days being the same and I’ve enjoyed every step and every celebrating milestone.
Roy – My colleague introduced us to the household chore dance at a Christmas party!
What do you think has been your biggest impact on the company over the last 10 years?
Emma – I think the biggest impact is my marketing team. When I started 10 years ago, I set up the marketing department from scratch. However, it was just me for around two years. After this point, I recruited our first Marketing Executive. Without having a team around me, the impact we’ve made and how we’ve grown wouldn’t have been possible without a team. So, a huge thank you goes to each and every member that has been part of my team over the years.
Roy - My consistency and dedication to the role.
Carolyn - Being invited to the House of Commons to accept the award for TOP 50 apprenticeship employer – this was a great achievement for the business and recognition of all of the hard work achieved from our apprentices and their mentors throughout their program as well as an acknowledgment to our successful and long standing relationship with their training providers.
How has your role changed over the years?
Emma – In the early days, my role included building up regular marketing for SortRefer, which was our only brand at the time. The first few years involved attending a lot of events and entering industry awards to gain brand recognition. From this point, we started to grow as a company, adding other brands, including Sort Legal. Fast forward to today, where we’re in a huge period of growth, launching new brands and now our marketing team includes six team members. My role has constantly changed and evolved over the years to adapt to changes in the industry, additions of new target markets and trends.
Roy - The role has basically remained the same with some tweaks involving regional events.
Carolyn - My role has changed dramatically, from starting out as Customer Services Manager and looking after a small team to then supporting with the Operations and facilities management which was most challenging during the pandemic. This role then expanded into heading up the HR department for the group and managing our apprenticeship program.
What goals or aspirations do you have for the next 10 years of your career?
Emma – I’m excited for the next 10 years! As we’re about to launch some new exciting projects and brands, I can’t wait to watch how they grow and develop. My goal is not to be afraid of change, allow myself to keep learning and developing and enjoy the ride!
Roy - If I’m still with us! At my age getting up in the morning is a blessing!
If there was another department/role you could trial in one day, what would it be and why?
Emma – I think it would be the IT Development team. What they manage to achieve in that department blows my mind and I’m sure they’re all wizards, creating new software solutions in a language I do not and will never understand! They underpin our whole company and allow us to grow and develop and without them, we would not have got to where we are now.
Roy - Conveyancing, to understand the difficult job they do!
If you could give one piece of advice to our new starters, what would it be?
Emma – Never be afraid to continuously learn and develop. Being comfortable and confident in your role is great, but pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, adapting to new challenges and being open to grow will give you not just a job, but a career to be proud of.
Roy - Keep your head down, work hard and spread the word, understand the product and be enthusiastic!
Carolyn - Never be afraid to ask questions – if you are not sure of something, please ask – there is lots of support.
If you had to describe your 10 years in just 3 words, what would they be?
Emma – Challenging, Exciting & Rewarding
Roy - Bloody Great Fun!
Carolyn – Diverse, Challenging, Rewarding
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