Meet the team: Donna Allen – Stock Control Manager
In this delightful conversation, we not only explore Donna’s pivotal role within the team but also get to know her on a personal level, Join us as we discover her favourite films, dream dinner guests, and much more!
How long have you worked for Kingfisher? I started working for the Building Product Design Group in November 2000, so this will be my 23rd year now. Originally, I worked in production assembling slate and tile vents as well as products like tricklevents and other accessories. I was then promoted to Team Leader and spent a few years working in the spray department before moving into the lab to do all the testing on the membrane products when the laminator moved from Merthyr to Pinxton. I then moved into the position of Coordinator between sales and production and was in this role until 2020 when I was promoted to my current position of Stock Control Manager.
What is your role in the Kingfisher team? Talk us through a typical day? To ensure continuity of supply of our products. I also ensure production is planned to keep up with the demand from customers and liaise with sales to ensure customers are happy.
What do you enjoy about your role? I like having to liaise with all the different people from sales, accounts, technical, QA, warehouse and production. It’s nice to be able to get problems solved to keep the customers happy. I enjoy coming to work as I would say we all have a great relationship, and some people are more like family now than friends.
What is your favourite film and why? This has changed in the last year – it was always Titanic but then my colleague and friend Jo Foulkes persuaded me to watch the Harry Potter films and now I’m obsessed! I will even rank them from best to worst for you.
Best to worse.
1 – Deathly Hallows part 2
2 – Prisoner of Azkaban
3 – Half Blood Prince
4 – Order of the Phoenix
5 – Goblet of Fire
6 – Philosopher’s Stone
7 – Deathly Hallows part 1
8 – Chamber of Secrets
I can’t get through the week without…. I think we should change this to a ‘day’ without a cup of tea (made by Brad as he makes them the best)!!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A train driver. My family have always been train enthusiasts and I used to love spending time in the summer holidays picnicking and playing whilst waiting to spot the next train.
Who would your ideal dinner party guests be (Dead or alive)? After our recent games night I’m going to say my colleagues, Jo Foulkes, Rikki Foulkes, Brad Saxton and Vicky Tindall. I laughed so much I gave myself a headache I haven’t laughed that much for in a long time.
What TV show are you currently binge-watching? I am currently watching Chicago Fire and PD so I am all up to date as they are filling up my Sky planner.
Morning person or night owl? I can be either. As soon as I am awake, I start talking and don’t stop until I go to sleep (I’m sure my colleagues would agree).
Have you ever met anyone famous? No, but I’m gutted I never got to meet my idol Meat Loaf.
Staycation or exotic holiday? Staycation – Paignton or Newquay are my favourite places to go on holiday.
Favourite food? If I am treating myself to a takeaway, it is a Chinese, but a meal out would be Indian (although there isn’t much I don’t like)!
Favourite drink? You can’t beat a nice cold cider.
What three things would you take to a desert island and why? Food & drink to keep me alive and plenty of books to read to keep me entertained.