Better Wholesaling spent 15 minutes with Sheila Delaney, business development manager at SK Food and Drinks, a Today’s Group member based in Birmingham.
Better Wholesaling: What was your first job?
Sheila Delaney: I started work in the planning department for Birmingham City Council after leaving school at 16. I spent six months there, before moving into the jewellery industry.
BW: What does your average day involve?
SD: Generally, I come into the office, then I go out and about on the road to meet customers. I then usually finish the working day wrapping up what I need to do from home.
BW:What do you take to work in your handbag?
SD: Just the usual stuff in there really: laptop, fruit and all the little essentials.
BW:What is the best thing about working at SK?
SD: It gives me a permanent base in which to work from and the chance to have colleagues that I work with every day. I used to do field sales and that can be lonely – sometimes, you only see colleagues once a month, if that. Here, I can chat to the team every day and I really like that.
BW: How would your colleagues describe you?
SD: I asked one of them, and she said that I was “sociable, good at [my] job, and someone to look up to,” which is incredibly kind of her. I will have to make sure she gets an extra nice Christmas present for that!
BW: What do you like to get up to in your spare time?
SD: I love gardening and I just love being out in the garden. But I also love family life, too – I am a home-maker.
BW:What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
SD: It is a simple but effective one – live for today.
BW: Who would play you in the film of your life?
SD: It would have to be Meryl Streep. She could act me quite well, I think!
BW: Who would be your four ideal dinner party guests?
SD: There is Meryl Streep, of course. And I would have to invite Monty Don to talk about gardening with, even though that might bore everyone else. I would also invite Rod Stewart and my best friend Vanessa, because she makes me laugh.
BW: What’s your favourite place?
SD: Ireland. My parents are from there originally. I love going there.
BW: Who do you most admire?
SD: My brothers – for the way they are, the way they conduct themselves and the way they approach life
