Our mobility team is made up of a fantastic group of individuals, they all come with different stories and experiences. One thing all their stories have in common is having Premier Community as part of their career path.
Paula, Branch Manager of Swadlincote store, has shared some insight about her journey and role with Premier Community.
Can you tell us about your journey with Premier Community and how you came into your current role?
“I started working with Premier as a carer in August 2024 just 1 day before my 57th Birthday. I had never done anything like this before as I had run a business with my husband for 25 years.
We sold that business and I was not ready to retire. In my area of Swadlincote we had a new mobility store fitted out and due to open in the summer of 2025 and I knew that my personality would be a great fit for our new store, so I put in my application, and I was successful.
This made me very happy as the only downside of care work is the unsociable hours and weekends. I opened the shop on 22nd July.”
What does a typical day look like for you, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
“As we are a new store and still building our reputation in the town my day can be quiet, so I asked if I could help out with anything else and was given the opportunity to work on the phone lines- which I enjoy immensely.
I work hard planning ways to promote the store and enjoy going out leafleting and introducing myself to people in the town who are potential customers.
As a business owner who built a successful company from nothing this is not alien to me and I am aware it will take time to get our store known and the first-place people think of when they need something. Be that Care or Mobility Aids.”
Paula’s path with Premier Community.
Swadlincote showroom
How does your role make a difference to customers or the wider team?
“I do honestly believe that the training and experience I had as a carer has given me a head start to be able to guide customers through the process of buying their chance at a more independent life. Whether that is with scooters, walking aids or daily living aids. I have a deep love for people, and I feel that comes across when I am speaking to our customers or our care team.”
What’s been a highlight or proud moment for you since joining Premier Community?
“I am very proud of coming into a business and working for managers. Having run my own business for most of my working life, it was something I was wary of, but I feel that I have a deep understanding of the trials of being in management, and I think I go out of my way to make my managers’ day easier and hope they feel the same. I am very proud of being a reliable member of staff who has a great record of attendance, both as a carer and in the shop.”
Do you have any personal connections or experiences to your role?
“Having spent almost a year as a carer I feel that gives me an understanding of what will help people to lead a more independent life.
I know what mobility aids work for people and just how difficult it is for someone take the big step in understanding that they need something to assist in their day-to-day life.”
What Premier Community value resonates with you the most?
“I love the fact that Premier is a family business, and I think it is lovely that the 5 sons are now in the company. Having been rejected by both of our children to make a career out of Label Printing!!! I know just how proud Gill and Robin must be.”
We also asked Paula a few questions about her personal life to gain a better understanding of what her interests and life is like outside of Premier Community.
What’s something about you that your colleagues might not know?
“I am a runner and a big gym lover (but of course they all know that as I never shut up about it!) I have a full motorcycle license and only just sold my Harley Davidson when I moved house recently. I am a trained counsellor for young people and a trained sports massage therapist.”
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
“Running and going to the gym. I love to look after my 3 grandchildren and try hard to get them running which is going ok so far!”
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
“Funny, kind and empathetic”
