Fortnum & Mason isn’t your everyday department store. And that means they’re not your everyday employer branding client either, as we’re quickly finding out.
With an utterly spectacular timeline that began in 1705, F&M have been responsible for the invention of the Scotch Egg in 1738, the introduction of Heinz Baked Beans to the UK in 1886, and the beginning of the famous Fortnum’s bees residency on the roof of their Piccadilly store in 2008 - to name just a few unique occasions that have contributed to their legacy.
And right now, we’re working with them to create something equally amazing – their first ever bona-fide employer brand. And it’s promising to be something that really excites your senses, just like the store itself.
We grabbed 5 minutes with Vicky at Fortnum & Mason, for a chat about HR, employer branding, the Fortnum’s food hall, and a whole lot more…
How did you get into the industry?
I studied Communication and Media at A Level and loved it so much that when it came to choosing a university degree there was only one choice - Communication and Media at Bournemouth University. After this I took a short term role as a Communications Assistant for Combined Universities of Cornwall. Having got a taste for working in industry, I promptly took a train to the big smoke to meet Recruiters and see what was out there. I found a foot in the door at an Energy trading company – Gazprom Marketing & Trading - where I started as a PR Administrator, growing into Communications Advisor and moving into Internal Communications.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Have a vision in your mind of where you want to get to, what your end game is and work with that in mind. Take time for yourself; work is important and it is a place where you spend a third (or in most cases probably more) of your life or more, so you need to be happy in what you do but don’t try and take it too seriously.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the HR sector?
I am not traditionally from an HR background, so working in the HR team at Fortnum’s is a whole new experience for me. I would say gain as much exposure and insight from others as you can. This nugget is a key one and holds true when you are starting out and equally when you are at the top of your game – you never stop learning because industry changes so much and the demands of the employee workforce of tomorrow are constantly changing.
What’s the best thing about working with Chatter?
The team at Chatter are such a friendly, organised and creative bunch of people who really get employee brand. Working with them feels like working with an extension of your own company in many ways.
What are you reading, watching and listening to at the moment?
Watching: I was totally addicted to The Crown, but sadly I have now finished series two so waiting for the next series to come out.
Reading: Homo sapiens. This book is incredible. A must read.
Listening: Spotify keeps me company on most commutes; I usually go with their ‘discover weekly’ playlist or daily mixes as you hear some amazing new music that is in line with your tastes. Some recent discoveries include Maribou State and the new George Ezra album - totally different styles of music but definitely sounds of the summer.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Going down to the beautiful food hall at Fortnum’s last thing on a Friday and spending too much of my salary on fine foods and wine!
Three words to describe yourself?
Enthusiastic, hard-working and open (to people, opportunities and new adventures).
