Introducing Oliver Richards our Marketing Executive for Water Hygiene
How long have you been working for Severn Trent Services?
I’ve been working for Severn Trent Water Hygiene for just over a year.
What does your main job role entail?
I am the Marketing Executive for Severn Trent Water Hygiene. We help companies look after their water systems and keep them free from water-borne bacteria such as legionella.
I produce marketing content that educates our potential customers about the potential health hazards caused by legionella, and their responsibilities to protect public health.
What was your first role here at Severn Trent and has it changed?
In April 2021 I joined Severn Trent Water Hygiene via the government’s Kickstart Scheme. At first, I was primarily supporting our Compliance Team, but as time went on, I found myself lending more and more time to our Sales Team.
My background is in media and film, so I was able to use those skills to produce marketing content to support the Sales Team. When my six-month stint on the Kickstart Scheme came to an end, I was offered a permanent role marketing the business, and jumped at the opportunity!
What’s the best thing about working for Severn Trent Services?
I’ve been amazed at the amount of freedom offered in the two roles I’ve been in during my time here. My current role was made possible by my manager, Guy Hadland, and his open approach. Guy allows to experiment to find the best and most engaging content for our customers.
The business had never had a marketing package before I arrived, and without this growth mindset within the business, our communications may well have been left behind by unexplored advances in technology.
What is your proudest personal moment (in or outside of work)?
This is a tough one… there’s so many things to pick from! I think I would choose one of my physical accomplishments. I’ve ran a few marathons and completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in a kayak in the Hebrides.
If I were to choose one, it would be climbing Mt. Fuji on the night before my eighteenth birthday. I didn’t plan to do it on that day – I was so absorbed in what I was doing that I only realised I’d just tuned eighteen whilst watching the sunrise from the summit! It was a truly incredible challenge that I’ll never forget, and also my first (and so far, only) experience of altitude sickness.
If you could name one individual who’s helped you over the years, who would they be and why?
I’ve already mentioned Guy Hadland who gave me my start at Severn Trent Water Hygiene, and Kris Rowland also managed me during my Kickstart placement, for which I’m very appreciative. However, the immense amount of support I’ve received from Helen Rilley during my time here takes the biscuit!
Helen was on a Kickstart placement at the same time as I, and we bonded over of our shared experience. We now both have full time roles at Severn Trent Services, which we think is a testament to the level of support for career development provided within the business.
What has been your most memorable moment working for Severn Trent Services?
Whilst I haven’t been here long, I have been honoured to be involved in a behind-the-scenes branding and marketing project which is yet to be publicly revealed. Whilst I can’t say anything about it yet, I had a fantastic time working with the team to bring it to life! Keep your eyes peeled for it. 👀
