We have sat down with Martin Bates, our Warehouse Manager, to delve into his day-to-day schedule, the challenges he faces, advice for new comers into the industry and most importantly, why he has stayed at TEPS for so long of his career.
Let’s start with what everyone wants to know, how long have you been working here at TEPS and why have you stayed so long?
Well, this November I’ll have been at TEPS for 11 years. I’ve only ever had 3 jobs in my whole life, I had 20 years in the Clay industry down in the Midlands and whilst I was there, I met the Wife and she convinced me to move up to Hull. I spent 13 years in the food industry working in the factory and coincidentally that is how I got the job from TEPS. The factory I worked in would use TEPS to store some of the products so I had a working relationship with Geoff, Managing Director at the time, and when a role came up, they contacted me.
So, as Warehouse Manager, what are your main duties?
Do we have a few hours? No, but seriously I do have a very busy schedule with many things to juggle throughout the day. I look after our warehouse operatives who are picking the orders ready to be transported into our fleet for delivery and I ensure the day-to-day running of the office is on track.
I’m always thinking of ways we can improve our systems and our processes for our warehouse team and customers. We can plan as much as we want but if a customer emails asking for a product tomorrow, we need to get our warehouse team on that and make sure we have a trailer free for delivery, ready for the customer. We will always push our team to meet customer demands.
It is also my responsibility to build up a customer database for existing and new customers. So when they bring in new products, we can use the booking system and we know exactly what is going in and out of the warehouse making sure no products get misplaced or become out of date.
Well you have a very busy schedule, what is your favourite part overall?
It’s a family business, Paul Fordon now runs TEPS, but he’s kept the legacy from when I first started. They will always look after you and nothing can beat that.
What would you say a typical morning in the office looks like?
I will get into the office for around 6:45 am and make sure to check any emails for urgent orders that may have come through over night. I like to get in early as I can start planning the day before the Warehouse Operators arrive so I can give them their schedule for the day. Apart from that, my mornings can differ everyday, if someone is late then we need to organise what else to pack so we don’t waste time. It’s always thinking on your feet as situations change for customers and we need to meet them changes.
I know there’ll be some challenges in your role, can you name some?
The main one really is making sure the customer is happy. Whether that be working to meet customer rules and regulations or making sure the stock is right in the warehouse and ensuring stock take is always done.
What skills are crucial for you to succeed in your role?
Definitely people skills. Patience and communication are key to this industry, when everything works it’s great but there will always be issues and changes and with good people skills it can help get around some of the challenges.
You’ve been at TEPS nearly 11 years, how has it changed since you first started?
Externally it has changed massively with our brand-new warehouse and office, which are incredible to work in. However, internally we haven’t changed that much. A lot of the people I work with, I was working with 10 years ago.
Lastly, tell us a bit about yourself, what do you get up to outside of work?
Family is key to me and always will be. It’s my number one priority. Apart from that, a fun fact is I used to teach martial arts, I did it for 25 years and loved every second of it.
