Staff Spotlight: Katharine Staniford, Finance Director

Behind every operational decision, quote prepared, order packed, and shipment dispatched Air Sea Containers has a team of people whose experience and dedication keep the business moving every day. As part of the company’s 45th anniversary celebrations, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the staff who help make it all happen. From sales and dispatch to warehouse operations and management, these team members share a little about their roles, their time with the company, and a few fun memories about the olden days. It’s a chance to meet the people behind the doors and recognise the contribution they make to the company’s continued success.

Katharine when did you join the company?

September 1994, I was brought in to learn the business and develop our ISO 9000 Quality Management System.  I worked closely with my Dad Don and Uncle Doug who was the Finance Director.

What did the company look like when you first joined?

It was mainly paper based, using typewriters & fax machines with one basic computer for invoicing and accounts where the monitor ran on 2 AA batteries! The office décor was very different back then with a distinct 1970’s vibe!. I remember Dad’s office decorated with teak g-plan furniture, black and gold leaf carpet, mustard yellow hessian wallpaper and a hidden bar complete with optics… it was redecorated within the year!

What moment are you most proud of?

I would say modernising our systems of work by introducing technological improvements in IT and telecommunications, which helped us grow as a business.  And being involved in the testing & development of our Class 6.2 packaging, which was among the first commercially available range of packaging specifically for Category A and Category B infectious substances in the UK.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

Transferring our operation to a purpose-built Warehouse on Cavendish street in 1997 and later designing an addition for our offices, where we continue to operate today.

One word to describe the early days?

There’s a few that spring to mind, exciting, fast paced, leaders in the field, early adopters .

If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Gaining outside commercial experience before joining Air Sea Container. There is so much power in learning how other organisations function, fail, and succeed. I’d have been able to bring an alternative perspective into the family business.  That being said, I came into the business when I was needed, at an exciting stage in its development which has taught me a great deal!

What does 45 years mean to you?

It is a huge achievement. Dad was a visionary entrepreneur who used his skills as an industrial chemist and foundations laid by his father, a cooper by trade, to start the business we have today.  Following in his path is a big responsibility, but the ‘pressure’ to succeed is outweighed by the pride I feel in our history. I’m privileged to build on his hard work and continue the story he started. Dad’s wisdom and insight will be missed by us all.

What excites you about the next 10 years?

We have a dedicated and experienced team led by Kevin as our Director of Operations, so I am excited to see continuing expansion of the company particularly the development of our new UKAS accredited packaging test lab.  Also, I’m excited to see the next generation come into the business!

Quick Fire Round

Tea or Coffee?

Tea.

Early start or late finish?

Late finish.

DG regulations, spreadsheet or tape gun?

Spreadsheets.

Best thing about Fridays?

Getting home after a productive week and feeling a sense of achievement.

One sentence to describe Air Sea Containers?

Innovators in their field.