David Brooks

What were you doing prior to working at the Change Organisation?

Before joining the company, I worked in motor insurance for around 12 years. I ended up being made redundant after the company I worked for was taken over by an American business. At the time, I'd gone to school with Chris, who was the warehouse manager here, and he mentioned there was an opportunity available in the warehouse. I'd only been out of work for around two months, but I quickly realised I didn't enjoy not working and was driving my wife up the wall at home. So I came in to have a look around, met Pete, and was shown the warehouse. At first, I only expected to stay for a couple of months before going back into insurance, which was all I'd really known since leaving school. The role was completely different from working at a desk all day, and physically it was a huge adjustment. Back then, the warehouse was much smaller, we didn't have forklifts, and it was hard work. But I ended up loving the environment and the people, and now, 16 years later, I'm still here.

How has your role changed or evolved since joining?

When I first started downstairs in the warehouse, I gradually became involved in different operational areas. I was one of the first people handling international shipping, which at the time was still very small scale, only one or two shipments a week. I taught myself the processes and gradually took ownership of that side of the business as it grew. From there, I became involved in logistics and worked closely with courier companies and operational planning. Over the years, I've worked across multiple areas of the business including MSA, returns, customer service, purchasing support, and other operational roles. At one stage, I also moved upstairs into the office environment, but I quickly realised operations suited me far better, so I returned downstairs. In 2017, when the previous warehouse manager Chris left, Pete approached me and told me I was taking over as manager. It was unexpected at the time, but I stepped into the role and have continued in warehouse management ever since. Looking back, I've experienced a huge variety of roles and responsibilities throughout my time here.

What elements about your role in particular and the company in general do you enjoy most?

What I enjoy most is that no two days are ever the same, especially within operations. A lot of the work involves solving complicated problems and finding practical solutions. There are always new challenges, different situations, and things that require you to think creatively and adapt. That's something I never really had in my previous role, where the work felt much more repetitive and predictable. Here, things are constantly evolving, which keeps the role exciting and engaging. I also think the company is at its best when everyone pulls together during difficult periods. When things get busy or challenging, everyone works in the same direction and supports one another. That team mentality creates a really strong atmosphere and is one of the reasons I enjoy working here so much.

What factors do you feel differentiate the company from other businesses?

Compared to previous companies I worked for, this business has always felt much more personal and family-oriented. In a lot of corporate environments, people can feel like just another part of a machine. Here, even as the company has grown significantly over the years, it has managed to retain its core family culture. That culture came from Graham and has spread throughout the business over time. Even through difficult periods, the company has always maintained that close-knit mentality. We've been through plenty of ups and downs together, but one of the company's biggest strengths is how people pull together and support each other during tough times. It may be a slightly dysfunctional family at times, but it's still a family environment, and I think that's what truly sets the company apart.

What's been the most significant change or development in the business since your time here?

The biggest change has been the sheer scale of growth. When I first started, we operated out of a single small warehouse unit with a relatively small output compared to where we are now. Over the years, the business expanded into multiple units across the business park before eventually moving everything together into the current facility. In total, I've experienced three separate warehouse moves during my time here. Alongside the physical growth, the systems and technology used throughout operations have evolved massively as well. The business has continually adapted to changing market conditions and invested in technology to improve efficiency and scale operations effectively. The operations department itself has changed hugely too. When I first started, there were around six people in operations. Now there are more than twenty. Despite all the growth, though, the atmosphere and camaraderie within the warehouse environment have remained very similar to when I first joined, which is something I really value.

What do you see for the future?

I think technology and AI are going to play a huge role in the future of the business, particularly within operations. We're already beginning to explore how AI can help improve efficiency in areas like warehouse picking and logistics planning. For example, using AI to optimise picking routes and workflows could make operations much faster and more efficient. More broadly, I think the IT industry itself is going to continue changing significantly, with more cloud-based infrastructure and evolving technologies shaping how businesses operate. While those changes can feel a little daunting at times, they're also exciting because they create opportunities for innovation and growth. I think the company is in a strong position to adapt to those changes and continue succeeding moving forward.