Spotlight on Success: An Interview with Nicola Brooks

As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we take the opportunity to shine a light on the remarkable journeys of the women within our organization. Today, we feature Nicola Brooks, our dedicated Accounts Assistant at BCW Design & Manufacture. Nicola’s story is one of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Nicola joined BCW back in 2010, starting as an administrator before taking on various roles that showcased her versatility and dedication. Her return to BCW, driven by a passion for her work and a commitment to her team, highlights the supportive and dynamic environment we strive to foster.

We sat down with Nicola to discuss her time at BCW, her daily responsibilities, and her insights on the importance of International Women in Engineering Day. Join us as Nicola shares her experiences, challenges, and achievements, providing a glimpse into the life of a woman who exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and ambition.

Talk to me about your time at BCW:

A: My time at BCW started back in 2010 when I was offered the job as an administrator. I found the role interesting, but then decided to leave the company to pursue something different, which wasn’t my best decision. I was then approached by Charlene & Ben Cassie to return, which couldn’t have come at a better time for me as I was just about to return to work following maternity leave. I knew it was the right decision for me and was extremely grateful that they had thought of me. I accepted a new position as admin and accounts support, assisting with accounts for BCW’s intercompany, Greener Industrial Solutions. When the company merged into BCW Group, with the intercompany businesses closing and the three separate businesses—BCW Engineering, BCW Treatments, and BCW Design & Manufacture—remaining, the finance team consolidated, and I became part of BCW Group.

Q: What do you enjoy about your current role, and what do your daily activities look like?

A: I mainly work on Sage and Work Plan. I love my job; it’s a great company to work for. My daily activities include checking accounts emails, reviewing sales invoices on the order book, managing daily bank activities, updating cash flow for the Finance Director, and completing general monthly tasks and admin support for the building. What I like most is the variety of work and the people. Every day is different, and I enjoy working with my team; they are a great support, and we have a laugh. We sit in an open office with other departments, and they are a great bunch of people to work with.

Q: This week it is International Women in Engineering Day; how does that make you feel?

A: To sum it up, I would say that you can be anything you want to be. Being a woman shouldn’t stop you. Dream big!

Q: What is your biggest achievement to date?

A: My biggest achievement would have to be meeting my husband and having our two girls. From a young age, I had to learn to stand on my own feet. Then I met my husband, which was the icing on the cake, and then to top that, I had two beautiful daughters. Working as a team with my husband to bring up two amazing people, whom I am proud of, is an achievement. We have had some difficult times, but we have stayed strong and worked through it together, showing my daughters that as a team, you can get through anything.

Q: Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?

A: I’m not sure how to answer that question, but at work, I would say the team I work with inspires me. They are amazing; everyone has their own hurdles to overcome, but they always seem to come together and lift each other up, and I like that. Nobody’s perfect, and I have made mistakes, but it helps when you have a strong team around you. I feel valued and felt pleased recently when I received positive feedback from our Managing Director.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: I’m not a confident person, so I find it challenging, but I think the best advice was to step out of your comfort zone and do things you’re not overly confident doing, like this interview!

Q: Would you recommend accounting for someone starting out on their career path?

A: I would, especially when you have the support and guidance from the people around you to help see you down that career path. I have welcomed the opportunity to learn, grow, and keep developing.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I would love to get a full qualification in accounting to progress and become a qualified accountant. I can see what other people have achieved, and I would like to do that myself. I think the knowledge and experience they bring to the table are fantastic. I just need to ensure that it happens at the right time in my life, but the desire to progress is there.

Stay tuned for more stories celebrating the incredible women at BCW Design & Manufacture, as we continue to honor their contributions and achievements