Hazel nuts about new Travelworld role

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld has added a new member to its accounts team to help keep the business running smoothly behind the scenes.

Experienced finance professional Hazel Winfield has joined the Stafford-based motorhome dealership as Accounts Administrator.

Hazel, 53, had been in her previous role for almost a decade but found herself furloughed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and decided the time was right for a change.

She started her working life as an accounts assistant before progressing to accounts manager and company secretary.

Hazel said: “I have worked for a variety of different industries, from security to publishing and, most recently, brewing.

“At the start of my career everything was still book-based so I have a thorough grounding in both paper and computerised accounts, which has proved very beneficial.”

Hazel, who has switched from part-time to full-time hours, looks after the bank and credit card accounts for Travelworld and also plays an integral role in the warranty team, including processing credits from manufacturers.

She also generates weekly and monthly reports for the directors and department managers.

Now Hazel has started a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration which she hopes will lead to extra responsibilities both within the finance team and other areas of the business.

Hazel, who enjoys jewellery making and narrow boating, said: “Travelworld has a wonderfully supportive team with regular social events that help us keep up with the other team members we don’t see on a daily basis.

“I’m really enjoying the challenge – and the free jacket potatoes every Friday help, too.”

Ross Edwards, Managing Director at Travelworld, said: “We’re really pleased to have Hazel on board and she is already playing a valued role in the day-to-day running of the business.

“We’re delighted to support her in her career progression by studying for a Level 3 NVQ. Giving our people the chance to better themselves is important to us, as demonstrated by the fact more than 70 per cent of employees are currently undergoing some form of training.”