Liz’s story

Liz already had retail managerial experience, so she started as an assistant shop manager in Scope’s Huddersfield branch before moving up to the position of relief manager. After five years she moved south, welcoming the challenge of becoming manager in the new shop in Southampton until her promotion to area manager in 2005.

Now having worked 11 years with Scope, Liz’s job involves contact with staff at the London head office as well as shop staff and hundreds of volunteers.

What has the Scope shop enabled you to do?

I’ve learned how to manage people and it’s given me multi-site experience. It has given me confidence; I now have no qualms about driving anywhere in London!

It has given me a feeling of professionalism. Public speaking and presenting skills were areas I needed to work on, and working in the ever-busy and changing retail department has meant I have overcome fears I had before to present to the team I lead, and my team of colleagues.

I’d like to build on my achievements and further my career within the organisation. It’s nice to feel part of something that is going forward.

What’s the best part of your Scope experience?

I was really pleased to become an area manager – and I’ve seen some good achievements. The income has been rising steadily, and seeing the profits and contribution my team have made has been very rewarding.

Opening the new shop in Shirley was a huge achievement for the whole team – we even managed to get on the telly.

Originally, I was surprised by how many ways the money was spent to help those who needed it. I’ve become aware more of the cause, and of the need for disabled people to achieve equality.

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