Adele Entwistle, HR Director at Closomat, has been a valued member of the Manufacturer’s Alliance for the last six years and is currently part of the HR Leaders in Manufacturing peer group. Here, she shares her insights into her experience with the Alliance, what she enjoys most about being a member and what she finds most valuable…
Can you tell us a bit about your company, your role and how you would describe yourself as a leader?
I work for Closomat Ltd, we design, manufacturer and deliver the Closomat wash/dry toilet. I’ve worked for Closomat for 25 years, the last 6 years as the HR Director. I am committed and passionate about what Closomat does and how collectively we make a difference to people’s everyday lives.
How long have you been a member and what factors influenced your decision to get involved with the MA?
I attend an MA meeting as our Managing Director’s guest in early 2019 and also attended the 2019 MA Conference and from there made a decision to join one of the Senior leader/MD peer groups. I moved to the HR Leader group in early 2021, I wanted to surround myself with like-minded people from the same profession to help support my own learning and development. It helps to learn from others experiences similar to what you are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.
What specific problems were you trying to solve when you first got involved with the MA? And how were these problems impacting you and/or the business at the time?
There wasn’t a specific problem, it was more for self-development.
How would you describe the culture of the MA and working with the organisation?
Chairs of both groups have always been supportive, allowing groups to collaboratively work through situations or problems to find ideas for resolution. I have found that both groups created a safe space, allowing members to be open, honest and vulnerable.
What features of our services do you find most valuable?
I always find the peer group sessions incredibly valuable.
How has the MA supported your business and personal goals?
This is more so through the coaching sessions with Juliette. She has a way of asking difficult questions, allowing you to think and work through a situation until finally you have a light bulb moment – I’ve had many of those during sessions with Juliette.
What have you enjoyed the most about working with the MA?
Meeting different people from different business, sharing knowledge and being able to support one another.
Would you recommend the MA to others?
Yes I would, for the reasons given in the previous question – knowledge sharing and support – HR can be a lonely place especially if you’re a one person team, its good to have support of the group, either to sense check something or just to off load!
The Manufacturers’ Alliance HR Leaders in Manufacturing Peer Support Group is a safe and confidential space for HR managers to meet on a regular basis to share HR related issues. All members of the group have JR roles within the manufacturing sector and work for progressive businesses that are constantly seeking to improve.
