OUR PEOPLE - STORES

Beverley Devonish - Knightsbridge

Liz Hayes - Manchester

Parminder Malhi - Birmingham

Hollie Lawson - Leeds

Keith Currie - Edinburgh

Beverley Devonish, Sales Manager, Knightsbridge

My career with Harvey Nichols started in Leeds in 2001, where I was recruited as Concession Manager for Amanda Wakeley. Whilst working there I developed a strong link with the Management team, which was to be my springboard on the climb up the Harvey Nichols career ladder.

I was offered the position of Department Manager, at the new regional site in Edinburgh, which I proceeded to run for 1 year. This was an exciting opportunity, working with fantastic brands, developing a new team and assisting in an extensive recruitment process, I felt very much part of the brickwork by the time I left.

My next career move was to Knightsbridge, London. This was the best way for me to develop more in-depth understanding of the business based upon my personal objectives. I was Department Manager for Sunglasses for a few months, then promoted to Assistant Sales Manager for the Ground Floor,

Working with a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds is always an exciting environment to be part of; you really feel part of a team when you work here. What I really enjoy is that you get the opportunity to move around the business and working in different departments is actively encouraged.

In 2004, I was made Sales Manager of the 3rd floor, again, a real change of product and brands. The floor has an eclectic mix of contemporary fashion, denim wear and a great swimwear department. I very much enjoy the daily challenge of my role, and in a few years, will look at what my next move shall be, with every hope that it will be with Harvey Nichols.

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Liz Hayes, Secretary to General Manager, Manchester

I joined HN when the Manchester store opened in August 2003. Initially I was an Administrator in the Hospitality department, which meant providing support to the managers of the hospitality and Food market. This was a varied role working within a large team that brought new challenges every day.

I then transferred to being PA to the General Manager on a temporary basis in May 2004 and have now taken the role on permanently. This new position has brought new challenges and allows me to work with all the different departments within the store, the other HN stores and our Head Office team.

Parminder Malhi, Senior Sales Advisor, Birmingham

I first entered the company in 2002 as a Sales Advisor on Womenswear. I worked on the International Department for 2 years, gaining a vast amount of knowledge on products, customer service and my surrounding environment.

During these 2 years I also worked for a month at Head Office, as a Buying Administrator for Menswear. Through this experience I learnt how the other side of the Company worked and this was of invaluable knowledge to me.

I was promoted to Senior Sales Advisor for Beyond Beauty in 2004. Working closely with my Manager, I have helped drive the team forward to achieving targets and giving 100% customer service. Within my new role I have learnt and developed many new skills and have taken on new responsibilities to further my career.

Hollie Lawson, Customer Accounts Clerk, Leeds

I have found Harvey Nichols an excellent work place, in terms of career development, benefits, and rewarding hard work. As a company they reward staff who go the extra mile to maintain Harvey Nichols reputation as a leader in Fashion retail. Which it really is, working around such fabulous brands is great, and the staff really know their stuff as we are all given continuous training and support.

As part of non-selling support we work behind the scenes ensuring that everything runs smoothly, in order to maintain the standards expected from our customers. This is a very rewarding role, which has provided me with many opportunities to develop myself, and remain motivated as there are always new and exciting projects to complete.

I will shortly be going to Dublin to aid in the opening of the new store. Just one of the many fantastic opportunities Harvey Nichols has provided me with since November 2003, when I joined the company. Staff are encouraged to pursue their career ambitions within the company and with 5 stores and a Head Office there is always room for career development, which is why I have remained within the company so long.

Along with the career prospects you are provided with, the people you meet are all wonderful. The social side of working for Harvey Nichols is a great benefit; I have made some extremely good friends from working in such a large company.

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Keith Currie, Customer Accounts Manager, Edinburgh

I joined HN Edinburgh in July 2002, as Stock Movement Assistant Manager.  It was two weeks before the store opened, so it was an extremely busy and exciting time. After seven months, I requested the chance to learn more about the operations within the store then, in April 2003 I moved to Customer Accounts as Assistant Manager and remained there for just over two years. In that time I attended several training courses including Junior Management Development and also computer courses such as Advanced Excel. I also gained valuable experience within the Customer Accounts department.
I was then fortunate to join the Security team as Assistant Department Manager and learned much more skills and experience within this area, where I worked for approximately six months. An opportunity then came up to progress to Office Manager within Customer Accounts, which I successfully applied for. With all the skills and experience gained in operations I have been able to apply these to the day to day running of my department.

Harvey Nichols is not only the best there is in retail, it offers staff the opportunity to develop and reach objectives and potential beyond expectations! In a short time I have gained so much knowledge and experience within Harvey Nichols, especially regarding the operations side.

I am so glad to have joined a fantastic progressive company that allows its staff to develop and progress also. Who knows where I'll be in five years time...