We recently caught up with Debbie Lloyd, Warehouse Administrator, to find out more about her time with us over the past 15 years.

So, 15 years! Can you take us back to when you first joined Robinsons Brewery? What was your role, and what attracted you to the company?

I started in Cellar Services in a brand-new administration role. At the time, it was only part-time and temporary for three months, just to see whether the role was needed. After those three months, it became a full-time, permanent position.

As for what attracted me to Robinsons, my husband, Ian Lloyd, was already working here and had been with the business for around five years when I joined. He told me there was a new role coming up and asked what I thought about it.

Before that, I had worked for another company for many years, but they closed two UK sites. After that, I did some temporary work and had another role, but as soon as Ian mentioned the opportunity at Robinsons, I thought, “Why not give it a go? It’s a foot in the door at Robinsons” I took a chance, and here I am 15 years later.

Was this role at the old brewery then?

Yes. I worked in Cellar Services for five years at the old brewery. Initially, I was based downstairs opposite what used to be Wines & Spirits and Stores, I then moved up to the Unicorn Packaging Centre (UPC) to become Warehouse Administrator and that has now been my role for 10 years! 

Was that a big change?

There were different teams and, of course, a different environment, but because I’d always worked in warehouses, I found the transition quite easy. I’ve always been used to working in predominantly male teams, and it was also a bit closer to home, which was great. It was a win-win situation for me because I could avoid the busy Stockport rush-hour traffic! The hours were different too. I started earlier and finished earlier, which suited me much better.

When you first started, did you think you would still be here 15 years later?

Yes, I think I probably did. I loved the feel of the company from the beginning. I loved that it’s a family business and that everybody gets along. I already knew how happy Ian was working here, so I knew it was a great company to be part of. That being said, those 15 years have flown by.

Being here for 15 years, I bet you’ve made some great friends among your team?

Definitely. Dave Holland, Warehouse Manager, has been here a long time, as has Lee, our Supervisor, and many of the lads in the warehouse. They’re all great people. Robinsons seems to have a way of keeping people here for a long time, which says a lot about the company.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in your role, or in how the warehouse operates, since you started?

The introduction of Business Central has been one of the biggest changes. There’s nowhere near as much paperwork as there used to be. Tablets have now been introduced on the “shop floor” and the business has evolved significantly over time. The way we manage deliveries/collections has changed too. I work closely with our contract customers, so I see those changes regularly, whether that’s welcoming new customers or working with existing ones.

With contract bottling, it’s my responsibility to book the productions onto BC, notify customers when their products are ready, and manage collections. Years ago, a lot of that was done over the phone and references written in a folder! Now it’s primarily managed through email. External suppliers contact us for booking references, dates and time slots, and incoming deliveries are arranged electronically too.

We’re also seeing more customers looking towards alcohol-free beers now that we have our de-alcoholisation tanks in operation. Overall, I would say technology has brought some of the biggest changes to my role.

Have you found those changes difficult at all?

Like anything new, there are always challenges. The system works well for what we need as a business, but when we first moved over, there was naturally some uncertainty. The good thing is that nothing stopped during the transition. The business kept operating as normal, products still came in and out, and everything continued to run successfully.

At first it was a little daunting, and you find yourself second-guessing what you’re doing. But now it’s second nature. Once you get used to it, it becomes part of your daily routine.

Is there anything you’ve noticed that has stayed the same?

Absolutely. What I love about Robinsons is that, despite all the changes and progress, the company has remained true to itself. The business moves with the times, but tradition still plays a huge part in who we are. We still have the Shire horses, and people often ask me, “Do they still have the horses?” I think it’s really important that we continue to celebrate and preserve those traditions.

Even if people don’t drink beer, a lot of people still buy into Robinsons’ history and pubs, DON’T THEY?

They really do. I love that we have such a rich history and that we continue to celebrate it. It was also lovely to see Oliver and William at the Company Update Day to witness how proud they were when Robinsons won at the Publican Awards. You could see how much it meant to them. It’s not just a business to them, and their gratitude towards everyone in the company came across so genuinely.

Has there been anyone in particular who has had a positive influence on you during your time here?

I’d probably have to say Dave Holland. He’s always enthusiastic about work, very sociable, and has always been a real champion for Robinsons. It’s much easier to enjoy your job when you work alongside people who genuinely love where they work.

If you could summarise your 15 years at Robinsons in one word, what would it be?

Happy. I’ve had many happy years here, and it’s simply a really positive place to work.

What has helped keep you motivated throughout your career?

I think if you have a good work ethic, it’s just part of who you are. I was brought up to work hard, and I’ve always wanted to do a good job. I hate making mistakes, even though we all make them from time to time. When I do make a mistake, I really kick myself about it. That’s just the way I am.

What advice would you give to someone joining your team today?

Listen, learn, and do a good job. That’s it really. You’ll soon decide whether it’s the right place for you, but Robinsons is a great company to work for. They’ve always been good to me.

They genuinely care about people here, and I think that’s reflected in how many colleagues stay with the business for so long, and for all the support I’ve received over the years, I’m very grateful. When Ian first got a job here, he always used to say it’s like “dead man’s shoes” getting a role at Robinsons. People don’t tend to leave. They either retire or spend their whole careers here, which says a lot about the company.

Away from work, do you have a favourite Robinsons pub?

I’ve stayed at The Legh Arms in Prestbury a few times, which is lovely, but I don’t think I have one single favourite. I’ve been to quite a few of our pubs in Wales which are fabulous, George III is in a stunning location.

Closer to home, we have The Cheshire Cheese, Newton and The Albion and the Astley Arms, Dukinfield, and we’re also not far from the Rising Moon and the Waggon & Horses in Matley. They’re all lovely pubs run by great people.

What’s your go-to Robinsons beer when you visit one of our pubs?

A pint of Dizzy Blonde in the summer, without a doubt. In winter, though, it has to be Old Tom or Ginger Tom. A glass of Old Tom definitely warms you up! That said, I’d say I am more of a wine drinker, so if I’m choosing from our wine range, I’d go for Kuku Rock Sauvignon Blanc.