We’re proud of the work our team undertakes to support the UK’s drive to #NetZero through by generating #renewable electricity.
BUT what about the faces behind the name, we simply couldn’t do the things we do without the talent, commitment and dedication of our team. So, with that in mind we’d like to introduce you to one of those people – senior personal assistant for Banks Renewables Lynne Wilson. We asked Lynne a few questions to find out more.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself (where you live, where you were born etc).
A: I grew up in Byermoor, which is on the outskirts of Gateshead. I currently live in Aykley Heads with my husband Ian, our two boys, Jacob and Seth, and the dog-bairn, Buzz the Cockapoo!
Q: How long have you been at The Banks Group?
A: I’ve been with The Banks Group for just over two years – I started in the midst of homeworking, on 1 June 2021 so my introduction to everybody was staggered – I still couldn’t remember everyone’s name!
Q: What is your role at The Banks Group?
A: I am a senior personal assistant, working within Renewables.
Since joining Banks I’ve had the opportunity to broaden my experience, skills and expertise significantly. I’ve gained experience in line management, in the renewables sector and I’m now a fellow of The Executive and Personal Assistants Association (EPAA), which helps me keep up to date with the latest developments in my profession so that we can continue to improve and build upon the support we provide to colleagues across the business.
The admin function at Banks is so wide-ranging, we make things happen – from supporting planning applications to event management to managing diaries the list is literally never-ending. Delivering admin support makes sure we maximise operational efficiency helping our colleagues and the business to achieve their goals.
My role has evolved quite a lot since joining business; we’ve recently gone through an internal realignment and I’m now one of three senior PAs. This means that I manage admin support services for the renewables part of the business. We also work closely with the PA to the Chairman and Assistant to the Company Secretary to maintain standards across the business. Banks is committed to the continuous professional development of their employees, and I am currently taking part in Banks’ Management Development Programme. This has been so useful in developing my management skills and helping me to bring out the best not only in myself but in the people I manage. I genuinely care about the people I work with, I value the opinions, knowledge and experience of my team and always encourage a collaborative approach to decision making which makes sure we utilise everyone’s skills for the benefit of the business.
Q: What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
A: I really love it when I can organise a meeting or event, prepare the people I work for and for them to go out and do the best job they can because of my groundwork. It doesn’t always pull off how we want it but it’s rewarding to watch people go out and shine, and we’ve helped with a small part of that. Some people think I’m mad, but I actually love taking minutes too! It helps that I’m in competition with myself to beat my touch typing speed – my PB is 83 words per minute; I’m pretty pleased with that!
I also love it when you get to a point as a PA where you become intuitive to what colleagues need often before they know they need it themselves!
Q: What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
A: Currently, my kids have me obsessed with Hogwarts Legacy on the PS5 (doesn’t take much – I’m a big Harry Potter nerd). I love reading, walking, and learning about local history.
Q: What are your favourite movie(s) and / or film stars?
A: My all-time favourite movie is Ghostbusters – absolute 80s classic.
Q: What is your favourite band(s) / singer(s) / composer(s) / type of music?
A: I definitely don’t have a ‘type’ because I love a variety of music but mainly anything 90s. I’m going to see Busted, blink 182 and Madness this year.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
A: Don’t change who you are for somebody else.
Q: Where is the best / most interesting place you have been on holiday and why?
A: I wouldn’t say it was the most exciting, or tropical by any stretch but we love Eyemouth in Scotland – it was our first holiday after Jacob was born and I think it was the first time that ‘baby fog’ lifted and I really enjoyed being a mum. We are going to Scotland (Ayr) this year for our hols and we can’t wait.
Q: What is your favourite colour and why?
A: Green – It reminds me of nature for obvious reasons and of feeling calm and unrestricted.
Q: What would you like your epitaph to be?
A: Can’t make a decision to save her life, but was a fierce friend