Meet The Team

Meet the team

Meet the Harrison EDS team. Everyone at Harrison plays their part to ensure that the customers’ needs are always at the forefront of what we do. Whether it’s flags, banners, display stands or flagpoles, our team will get it to you.

Anthony Leonard Profile Picture

Anthony Leonard

Sales & Marketing Director
WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE?

Finding new clients and markets.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

Growing Harrison’s client base.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Being in contact with people and treating them how you want to be treated.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

Excited about being part of an expanding business with a great portfolio of products and service.

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

Great team and family atmosphere with a can-do attitude.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Still a new boy but either on the phones chasing or meeting clients.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Royal Marines or Para’s.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES / INTERESTS OUT OF WORK?

Rugby/cycling & running but also spending time with my family and cooking (I used to be a chef).

WHAT WOULD YOUR PEERS/COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

Just keeps going and knows what he needs to achieve and gets there.

Kellyanne Miller Profile Picture

Kellyanne Miller

Account Manager

AREA OF EXPERTISE:

Flags and flagpoles.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

My job entails looking after and managing customer accounts. I take incoming calls, emails and deal with all enquiries.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love that every day is different. I get to speak to lots of new people on a daily basis and provide them with the best customer service, to make their flags and flagpole dreams come true.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

Harrison’s has got an excellent reputation for quality and customer service so I knew they would be a brilliant company to work for.

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

Our products are of the highest quality and we go above and beyond for our customers.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

There is no typical day at Harrison’s, every day is different and that’s what makes the job so enjoyable.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I always wanted to be a nurse; selling flagpoles by day, saving lives by night.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES/INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love having days out with my family; that’s when I’m not spending my time chasing after my runaway dog.

WHAT WOULD YOUR PEERS/COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

They would probably comment on my driving but I don’t know why.

Michael Percy Profile Picture

Michael Percy

Business Development Manager - Auto

AREA OF EXPERTISE:

I have worked within the industry for 17 years, and have lots of experience and expertise within the Automotive and Housebuilder sectors.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

My job role entails hitting a set target through new and repeat business within the Automotive industry. I manage the accounts of my clients and make sure they are receiving a top service.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Working for Harrison’s, I find that most days are different with something new happening every day. This keeps my role fun and interesting.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

I had been working for a competitor for 14 years when Harrison’s approached me, and with their reputation and personal approach to employees and clients I knew it was an offer I could not turn down.

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

Everyone at Harrison’s goes above and beyond to deliver for their clients and they never let them down. This can be hard to find in a company and we take pride in our impeccable service.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I am constantly on the lookout for new clients and for ways to improve the service that both myself and the company offer.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES/INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I enjoy spending time with my 12 year old son Kairo and our dog Louis. I love the theatre and all aspects of dance. I also spend my time socialising with friends and re-vamping old houses.

WHAT WOULD YOUR PEERS/COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

I have no idea….. god only knows!

Jo Sandick Profile Picture

Jo Sandick

Account Manager
WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE?
Export, trade and housebuilder sectors.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?
Direct sales support, business improvement projects, Supporting the business development manager and dealing with export documentation.
WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Helping people, whether it’s clients or colleagues – it makes me very happy to feel as though I’ve helped somebody.  That and being part of a great work family.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

Can I remember that far back?!!  34 years ago I came here straight from college, when we were predominantly a steeplejack company – I was really interested in the business.  I’ve had quite a few varying job roles within the Company, there’s always an opportunity to progress.

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

We’re a family – we care about all our clients whether they’re large companies or individuals.  We’re friendly northerners and will always go the extra mile for our clients. Harrison’s has a long history as a family run business with a reputation for supplying high quality products and excellent customer service.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

One of the great things about Harrison’s is that no two days are the same!   Usually processing orders, answering the phone and helping clients and colleagues with queries. Also working on business improvement projects and working on Standard Operating Procedures.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I’d love to work as a counsellor or therapist of some kind, I love talking (anybody who knows me will agree!!) and to feel I was helping improve somebody’s life in some way would be amazing. Failing that, I’ve always wanted to be a florist too.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES / INTERESTS OUT OF WORK?

Watching my daughter in her gymnastics training, looking after our large family of guinea pigs (we currently have 9).  Also sewing, reading and watching tv (and I also love ironing as long as I have a glass of wine handy!).

WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

That I’m the crazy guinea pig lady and I fall over a lot!!  I think they’d also say I was helpful, caring and loyal – with a very strong attention to detail.

Jo Thwaite Profile Picture

Jo Thwaite

Studio Manager
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

Negotiating costs with suppliers, purchasing print and overseeing the print room & sewing rooms.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Being part of a team, I have some great suppliers and love working with them.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

It was something very different from what I had done previously. My main thought was who buys flags? Very quickly it was quite clear that almost everyone does!

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

It’s a family run business, we work as a team so that our clients get everything as it should be.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Checking deliveries are on time, checking confirmations, requesting costs from suppliers, ordering print, solving finishing queries and planning in jobs.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I think something to do with cooking but I’m sure Simon, my husband, would like me to be the typical farmers wife.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES / INTERESTS OUT OF WORK?

Decorating cakes for birthday party’s, watching films, helping my husband at lambing time on the farm and spending time with family.

WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

I am sometimes referred to as the Oracle, I think I have a lot of product knowledge. I always say I’m happy to help if anyone is unsure of anything.

Alex Hirst Profile Picture

Alex Hirst

Group Marketing Manager

AREA OF EXPERTISE:

Working across the full spectrum of marketing.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

Managing the marketing strategy and creating exciting marketing campaigns. My days are very varied, I could be delivering engaging content across different marketing platforms one day, or at a trade show or event the next. I’m always working towards enhancing the profile of our brands and raising awareness of the company with the aim of converting that awareness into customers!

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I have always loved marketing and the impact a good marketing campaign can have. I love being able to contribute towards Harrisons’ successes through strong marketing of the business.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

It’s exciting for a company that has connections across the world that began in Darlington.

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

The growth and expansion of the company is so interesting – Harrison’s started out as Steeplejacks and now produce event branding for events across the UK as part of Harrison Creative – two very different worlds! We all have the opportunity to make real change within our roles – every person counts.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

There is no typical day really; my days are so varied and can involve everything from working on long-term campaigns, writing blogs about the weird and wonderful to attending trade shows and meeting new customers.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I wanted to be a vet growing up but I think now I’d try interior design if I didn’t do marketing.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES/INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I try to fit in a few exercise classes when I can and I enjoy spending time with my family.

WHAT WOULD YOUR PEERS/COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

I think they would say I’m honest, hopefully friendly and reliable!

Peter Houghton Profile Picture

Peter Houghton

Finance Director
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

My role encompasses all the usual aspects of financial management, treasury, reporting and admin.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

In Finance you are at the beating heart of the business and you see the impact of all business decisions coming though in the figures and reports

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

I was really happy when I heard there was an opportunity with Harrisons. It is an interesting combination of business with some complexity that makes it attractive whilst having all the usual opportunities and issues.

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

Harrison operates in very niche areas and is continually challenging itself to improve the customer experience. It’s size means it can control its service more directly than some organisations.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Ask me again in six months though I can imagine it will involve a whole host of different activities.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

On reflection I would have enjoyed being a vet – that Irish guy is something else!

FAVOURITE HOBBIES / INTERESTS OUT OF WORK?

Simple pleasures include walking my dog Teddy, watching Hartlepool play football, of sorts, attempting a few gym sessions each week and, of course, beer!

WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

Passionate, collaborative, challenging and supportive.

Gary Linder Profile Picture

Gary Linder

Operations Manager

AREA OF EXPERTISE:

I have been working within Purchasing for around 5 years within a number of different fields, as well as being part qualified in Accounts with 8 years experience. Also having partial experience and working within a Business Development role for around 2 years.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

Running weekly stock analysis to ensure stock levels are kept up to their minimum levels, dealing with enquiries from our sales department for bespoke projects/material requests. Working with management to meet client’s deadlines for tenders, general order processing for raw materials, and general purchasing duties, i.e. booking in delivery note, expediting orders, etc.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

The people that I work with on a daily basis, as well as ensuring that the company is getting the best possible prices from suppliers, so we can offer the best costs to our customers.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

A job opportunity came up so I did some research on the company and saw that they were very versatile in the areas of their field and after my initial interview I found the management very welcoming!

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

Very family orientated and it is great to work with such a good team of people.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

No day is the same!

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

A Doctor.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES/INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spending time with my two daughters, family, friends and my dog.

WHAT WOULD YOUR PEERS/COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

Loud, funny, positive, happy as Larry & always get sayings wrong!!

Amanda Bestford Profile Picture

Amanda Bestford

Operations Manager - Quality & Improvement

AREA OF EXPERTISE:

Organising people and projects.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

Managing our warehouse, planning weekly dispatch schedules and schedules of work. Coordinating goods-in inspections, maintaining and updating a schedule of planned maintenance, planning and coordinating large orders and stock takes. Ensuring we always comply to strict health & safety standards.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

There are lots of things that I love about my job. Seeing the end product after working on a project, seeing improvements after implementing changes and the group of people I work with on a daily basis, to name a few.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

I was looking for something different after planning weddings for over 12 years. After meeting some of the team in my interview I knew Harrisons was a fit for me!

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

Harrisons has worked with me to help me grow within the company over the past 4 years.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

No day is the same!

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Anything that involves caring for animals.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES/INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Walking my dogs, spending time with family and friends, hockey (watching and playing) & food!

WHAT WOULD YOUR PEERS/COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

That I am a calm, dog loving, generous but bossy princess.

Kelly Preston Profile Picture

Kelly Preston

Seamstress
AREA OF EXPERTISE:

Quality control of print.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?:

I quality check all print and handsewn flags to ensure they meet our strict standards. I cut the material for the flags then wash and press them once they have been sewn. I also look after allocation and stock maintenance and despatch jobs.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?:

The varied job role and the people I work with.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?:

I was looking for a new challenge!

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?:

It’s a family run, interesting and unique business.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?:

I start the day cutting, washing and pressing flags I then have office work and quality checks.  Then in the afternoon I head to our warehouse to organise and despatch the daily jobs.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION WHAT WOULD IT BE?:

Interior or surface pattern designer.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES/INTERESTS OUT OF WORK?:

Arts, crafts, drawing & painting.  Walking Lady (my doggie!)

WHAT WOULD YOUR PEERS/COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?:

Quiet and friendly, hardworking and always smiling! Don’t mind getting my hands dirty!

Carl Inglis Profile Picture

Carl Inglis

Print Operator
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ROLE ENTAIL?

Preparing proofs for the sales team.  Once they go ahead I will prep the artwork for printing and get them printed.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love design and enjoy seeing the finished product.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT HARRISON’S?

It’s a company with a great reputation and the leader in what we do.

WHAT MAKES HARRISON’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER COMPANIES?

We pride ourselves on producing quality, higher end products & also being an innovator in the industry.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I spend my day split between being behind my computer and in the print room checking the quality of the printed flags.

IF YOU COULD TRY ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Maybe a travel photographer flying around the world.

FAVOURITE HOBBIES / INTERESTS OUT OF WORK?

Photography and Walking in the Lakes

WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT YOU?

He’s chilled? I don’t know lol

Anthony Leonard

Sales & Marketing Director
More information

Kellyanne Miller

Account Manager
More information

Michael Percy

Business Development Manager - Auto
More information

Jo Sandick

Account Manager
More information

Jo Thwaite

Studio Manager
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Alex Hirst

Group Marketing Manager
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Peter Houghton

Finance Director
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Gary Linder

Operations Manager
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Amanda Bestford

Operations Manager - Quality & Improvement
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Kelly Preston

Seamstress
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Carl Inglis

Print Operator
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