Who are you and what’s your role at Agrovista?
Hi, I'm Trudi Hodson. My current role within Agrovista is that of Credit Control Assistant Manager and I report to Margaret Housley who is the Credit Control Manager. Between us we manage a small team of credit controllers and administrators who are based at Nottingham.
I've been 'part of the furniture' with Agrovista for years already, but first got involved within the Agriculture industry when I lived in Surrey some 20 years ago now.
What does your job typically involve?
I would describe it as a pastoral role, communicating with colleagues at all levels, customers with credit accounts, our agronomists out there and those based in the depots. Not as simple as it might read from the job title, it requires a knowledge of the latest in agriculture, (which I find fascinating), an appreciation of the roles and demands on others within Agrovista, and of course getting to know our customers' circumstances and requirements. Each account is unique and I believe in dealing with each customer according to their own needs, rather than adopt a 'one size fits all' approach.
The role also requires a good degree of administration, accounting and legal knowledge, not to mention IT skills! The working day for me doesn't end when I Ieave the Nottingham office: I arrive with the lark and whilst there, much of the work is desk-driven, (computer and telephone), or meetings. But there is much on-call work too, out of office hours, in order to meet clients' needs with regard to their orders.
What's the best part of your job?
It's hard to pick the best bit of the job, for me. I'm fascinated by the agricultural industry and love keeping my knowledge up to date... And it really does help me with understanding the customers' current requirements, whilst balancing this with any risk to Agrovista.
I love getting out and about to the depots and actually spending time with our agronomists... But I think what I love most is communicating with our growers, getting to know them and helping them to keep their businesses going!
What’s most challenging?
It's a challenge, due to the sheer number and variety of accounts, and the considerable values involved. It definitely requires that up to date knowledge, awareness of current affairs, sensitivity and tact.
I would say the main challenge at the moment is probably the imminent exit from Europe and the uncertainty surrounding future trade between Britain and other nations. For me personally, it's how I can continue to expand my knowledge of the industry - but it's a challenge I relish.