Staff Stories
Susan
Captain of Our Ship
"We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails"
Susan leads her merry band of people each day in an adventure of creativity, harmony and discovery. Loves being surrounded by talented people who are kind and fair. With her team and our customers she believes she has that.
Susan enjoys adventurous sailing and in 2019 she took part in the Clipper round the world race while her team took the helm for a change.
Tina – Our Very Own Tina Turner
Tina recently celebrated an incredible 15 years with Impact Trading and Cotton Roots- a milestone that reflects her dedication, commitment, and the positive impact she has on the whole team.
With a background in team management and coaching, Tina is perfectly suited to her role as Office Manager. She’s often the go-to person for support, organisation, and encouragement, helping to keep everything running smoothly while looking after the people around her.
Tina’s caring nature extends beyond the workplace too. In the past, she volunteered with the Samaritans, demonstrating her passion for helping others and making a difference.
Outside of work, Tina has a love of cars and has recently discovered a talent for sewing. Her first major project involved taking up a set of curtains, which she completed with flying colours. We’re now keeping a close eye on the design team, they might just try to recruit her for her newfound skills!
The Big 3
- If you need a catch line – Tina’s your lady (today’s was ‘Healthy Human’)
- She can be ready for a photo shoot in under 30 seconds
- Ritz Cracker Connoisseur!
Ros – Our Bundle Of Joy!
It’s always noticeably quieter when Ros isn’t in the office. Her energy and laughter have made her a much-loved part of Impact Trading and Cotton Roots for an incredible 18 years.
Ros studied Fashion, Design and Manufacture at Northampton University, specialising in womenswear. She has a particular passion for Dior’s iconic New Look style of the 1940s, and her love for fashion and design continues to shine through in her work today.
As a key member of the embroidery team, Ros brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. From advising on logo sizing and frame positioning to running and servicing the embroidery machines, she plays an important role in ensuring every project meets the highest standards.
But Ros’s talents don’t stop there. Having also studied photography, she is often involved in product photography, video creation, and editing, adding another creative string to her bow.
An accomplished dressmaker, Ros is also highly skilled with a sewing machine, and her expertise is regularly called upon by the design team, who are always happy to borrow her talents when they can!
With her creativity, experience, and infectious sense of humour, Ros is truly one of a kind, and we wouldn’t be the same without her.
The Big 3
- Hands down the happiest person we know!
- If you need a hand Ros always says yes!
- No need for Shazam, Ros always knows the song and the singer
Liz – The Great Coffee Drinker
Liz’s career in British manufacturing began in 1991 when she studied Fashion and Tailoring at the London College of Fashion, before continuing her education in Fashion and Marketing at Central Saint Martins. She went on to build an impressive career in the industry, including a role as Head of Design at London-based corporate wear company De Baer.
For more than 10 years, Liz has been an integral part of Impact Trading and Cotton Roots. As our Head of Bespoke, she leads the design team with creativity, expertise, and a keen eye for detail, helping to transform customers’ ideas into high-quality, bespoke products.
With decades of experience in fashion, design, and manufacturing, Liz brings a wealth of knowledge to every project and is always on hand to guide the team through new challenges and opportunities.
Outside of design, Liz is known for another great passion- tea and cake! In fact, her unwavering commitment to the daily rituals of morning coffee and afternoon tea helps keep the entire office running like clockwork. Whether it’s creative inspiration or a perfectly timed tea break, Liz always knows exactly what's needed.
The Big 3
- Liz will take you off into a fantasy land of Country Living at a moment's notice
- No one else makes the offer of tea feel like such a treat
- Never lets anything get her down!
Hannah – The Detail Detective
Hannah joined Impact Trading and Cotton Roots just over two years ago, initially working closely with our suppliers and overseeing ordering processes. Since then, she has become involved in almost every area of the business, gaining valuable insight into how everything comes together.
From helping the manufacturing team on the production floor to working behind the scenes on the website, Hannah is always keen to get stuck in and learn something new. Her enthusiasm, adaptability, and eye for improvement make her a valued member of the team, and her passion for sustainability means she is often the source of innovative ideas that help us think differently about the future.
With a Distinction in Art and Design and a background in administration, Hannah brings both creativity and organisation to her role as Account Manager for Cotton Roots. She enjoys building strong relationships with customers and ensuring every project receives the attention it deserves.
Outside of work, Hannah loves spending time outdoors. Whether she’s growing fruit and vegetables on her allotment or heading off into the countryside for a camping adventure, she’s never happier than when surrounded by nature.
The Big 3
- Hannah never says no to a cup of tea!
- Is the owner of several pairs of snazzy trousers
- Has a secret passion for decorating and interior design
Karen - Our Fairy
Karen joined Impact Trading and Cotton Roots two years ago and quickly earned the title of 'Queen of Despatch' — much to the delight of the rest of the team. Diligent, reliable, and always on the move, she can often be found fluttering around production, making sure everything is where it needs to be and helping keep operations running smoothly.
Karen has a rather unique claim to fame too. As a Freewoman of the City of Gloucester, she holds the historic right to drive cattle through the city on one day each year!
Before joining us, Karen worked as cabin crew for British Airways, a role that fuelled her love of travel and adventure. When she's not at work, she enjoys spending time with her much-loved dogs, one of whom recently won a rosette in the senior category at a local dog show.
With her positive attitude, attention to detail, and willingness to help wherever needed, Karen is a truly valued member of the team.
The Big 3
- Secret lover of a Burger King whopper
- Most likely staff member to be Mary Poppins, neat and precise
- She is the official hug distributor
Rebecca - The Creative Spark
Rebecca has been a valued member of the Impact Trading and Cotton Roots team for the past year and a half, bringing with her a wealth of business experience and a passion for innovation.
Her career spans a diverse range of roles, from successfully setting up and running her own business for 15 years, where she created a unique range of educational resources, to working as a Senior Account Manager for a marketing agency managing campaigns for some of the UK's most recognisable toy brands.
Rebecca thrives on finding creative solutions and looking at the bigger picture. Since joining the team, she has spent time getting to know our customers, understanding their needs, and ensuring they get the very best from working with us. Her ability to build strong relationships and identify new opportunities has already made a significant impact.
As our Business Development Manager, Rebecca combines her entrepreneurial spirit, commercial experience, and customer-focused approach to help drive the business forward. We’re excited to see her continue building connections, developing opportunities, and helping our customers achieve their goals.
When it comes to fresh ideas, strategic thinking, and delivering excellent customer experiences, Rebecca is always ready to lead the way.
The Big 3
- A perfect afternoon would be a walk along a beach with her dog via a pub for a cheeky drink with friends.
- Loves a music festival weekend and any music event!
- Huge fan of Dragons Den and The Apprentice
Ruth - The Chief Mate
Ruth has recently re-joined the team at Impact Trading and Cotton Roots, and we are all delighted to have her back. Bringing a wealth of experience, exceptional organisational skills, and an impressive knowledge of Excel, Ruth has quickly settled back in and become an invaluable member of the team once again.
After studying Business Management at Aston University, Ruth built a successful career within the clothing industry. Her experience includes roles as a Senior Merchandiser for an underwear supplier and Production Manager for a clothing brand, giving her a strong understanding of both product development and supply chain management.
At Impact Trading and Cotton Roots, Ruth works closely with our suppliers, helping to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. With an incredible ability to recall information and solve problems, she has earned a reputation as our very own human database!
Outside of work, Ruth enjoys keeping active. She is a regular at the gym and can often be found taking part in Park Run events at the weekend.
Having grown up on a farm, Ruth feels right at home at our base on Rose Lane Farm, where her practical, down-to-earth approach and positive attitude make her a perfect fit for the team
The Big 3
- Ruth would put Bake Off to shame with her treats she brings into the office
- Guilty pleasure is a pint!
- Loves camping holidays with her family.
Lorraine - Lady In Pink
Lorraine recently joined the team at Impact Trading and Cotton Roots, providing valuable support with deliveries and administrative tasks. Her keen attention to detail, positive attitude, and determination to get the job done make her a fantastic addition to the business.
Always ready to lend a hand, Lorraine has quickly become a trusted member of the team, and we're delighted to have her on board.
The Big Three:
- Lover of anything pink!
