Rising Stars, 2 newly promoted Regional Managers

At Jollyes our people really do make the difference, and when we were recently “sniffing out” 2 new Regional Manager roles we were able to promote 2 rising stars Natalie and Sam. Both have worked at Jollyes for a long time and we are so proud that we were able to promote these 2 roles from within.

To celebrate the promotions we’ve decided to interview two of our newly promoted Regional Managers.

• Name-Natalie Bentley
• Age - 39
• Job Position: Regional Manager -Central Region
• How long have you been working at Jollyes? 6 Years
•  What job position did you start? Store Manager
• Tell us about your career progression: Started as a Store Manager Oct 2016, Cluster Manager – August 2022- Dec 2022- Regional Manager Feb 2023
• How did you feel when you got promoted? Shocked , over whelm but also very excited for the challenge ahead and to be part of a great team.
• What steps and actions were important to achieve this goal? It was important to have my own team developed as that enabled myself to come out of store and support my RM where ever I was needed. Also building my own network around the business with people in commercial team, HR team , Property , marketing ,IT etc. Continuing to develop my own leadership skills and having a positive mindset.
• What advice you would give to your colleagues or new starters about their career prospects at Jollyes? Jollyes is a fast growing business and there will be lots of opportunities to come. Work hard , develop your team and have a positive outlook at all times.
• What do you love about working at Jollyes? I love the culture in Jollyes, the support network , the work ethic of all colleagues at different levels. Its like a family and we all want the business to succeed and our people to. It’s a very exiting time of the business and its great to see colleagues being promoted within , as we are lucky to have great talent with in our business. I am also glad for the opportunity to be part of it.
• Do you have any pets? Yes I have 1 rescue dog called Marilyn who is turning 10 this year , 1 pet Angel fish called Spike who is turning 7.
• What do you love to do out office hours? I love to spend time with Marilyn my dog, going on long walks and popping into a pub for some nice food and a pint. I enjoy watching sports , mainly football and socializing with my friends.

• Name:Sam Wells
• Job Position : South West Regional Manager
• How long have you been working at Jollyes? Since Dec 2014
• What job position did you start? Store Manager Waterlooville
• Tell us about your career progression: I worked as the Store Manager of Waterlooville for a few years and helped Matt (Regional Manager) many times, with a few tasks around the Region. I also had an experience of taking a maternity cover at Totton branches and opening a new store while running Waterlooville. One of my proudest moments was opening a new store in Poole. It was an amazing experience to see things coming to life and be given afterwards an opportunity that led me to new career path as Area Manager, running and overseeing 10 stores on the Southwest.
• What steps and actions were important to achieve this goal? Some key points that led me to this career progression, were to get to know my team and work alongside them, work with the office team and learn about what they do and where they can help.
• What advice you would give to your colleagues or new starters about their career prospects at Jollyes? Be open to trying new things, be confident in what you know you can deliver, and most importantly speak out. Talk to people, ask questions, and show your keen. Being a people person is a top tip, open yourself up to help people, coach and deliver.
• What do you love about working at Jollyes? The atmosphere, the family work life, the prospects for the future, the animals, the people, the part where you know and feel like every person makes a difference and isn’t just a number.
• Do you have any pets? Yes I have a Patterdale named milo and a tabby cat named Misty
• What do you love to do out office hours?  I love to run, Spend time with my children, and spend time with my friends.