Hayley has recently joined Booking Protect. We sit down to get to know her more and are surprised to hear about dragon boating, Hooch Hatch and the difference between Booking Protect’s processes to those at other companies.
What is your job role?
Head of business development, I’m here to drive new business and enhance existing business.
Where were you before Booking Protect?
I worked for a sports brand in Worcester.
What made you change and come to Booking Protect?
I felt I was too used to it. I’d been at the company when there was just 3 employees and by the time I’d chosen to leave that number had grown to 34. I felt I’d done everything and wanted a new challenge.
What’s the best live event you’ve been to?
The Olympics. I’m very into my horse riding. I also do paddle boarding on the river in Worcester and I’m part of the dragon boating club. Worcester dragons are based on the River Severn in the town centre. Dragon boating is where you use one oar and then a team of about 20 people push the boat along. You are either a righty or lefty, I’m a righty. My husband was a canoeing athlete, he now coaches future Olympians.
What’s the best festival you’ve been to?
I haven’t attended many festivals. The best thing I’ve seen was probably Lion King at the West End. That was 8 years ago now.
Who’s your favourite singer?
Nina Simone.
What was your first job and how old were you?
I was brought up in a pub so I was carrying trays of food, laying tables and washing up from 10 years old! I then lied about my age and worked in the Hooch Hatch at 16 in the local nightclub.
What was your favourite tv show 20 years ago?
The Big Breakfast.
What are the elements of your job you enjoy which others wouldn’t necessarily know about?
I enjoy Cat’s sudden little sing songs to the radio! And the fact that we have Yorkshire Tea! (Which is the only tea in my opinion)
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Hiding my favourite treats from my kids because otherwise they’ll eat them, I want them all! Taking the tea and coffee sachets from hotels as well. So mainly food based pleasures.
Secret hobby?
Cleaning? Does that count?
What is different at BP which you haven’t seen working anywhere else?
The speed that ideas are turned into plans and then how quickly the plan is implemented. Also the technology behind what we do and the brilliant processes that we use.
What is your perfect Sunday?
Probably walking the dog, then a pub lunch. Having no hangover and generally pottering about the house. A Sunday roast in the evening as well.
What is one event you’d recommend that is a must-watch?
Going to see the F1, either in Monaco or Singapore.
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