Meet the Team: Esther Swinnock
In this feature, we chat with the team working hard behind the scenes to ensure the smooth delivery of F. Ball products to customers around the globe.
For this issue of F-Talk, we spoke to Export Business Officer Esther Swinnock.
We started by asking her how she got into the role.
“I’m a Dutch national, from the west of the Netherlands, which is famous for its tulips. My background is hospitality. I have worked in hotels around the world, including in the UK where I met my husband while we were both working at the same hotel. We settled here 30 years ago and I began working in market research, including mystery guest visits for hotels.
Ten years ago, with the children grown up, I was ready for a new challenge, and
F. Ball was looking for a Dutch speaker to join the Export department.”
What does your day-to-day job look like?
“There’s not really such a thing as a typical day. It involves a variety of activities to support customers and colleagues in the Netherlands, including marketing communications such as mailings and promotional materials as well as organising exhibition stands and customer events.
I also provide sales and marketing support to Jack Sant (Head of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa) by taking customer calls, preparing quotations, organising customer visits and providing customer support. It is mostly office based, but I do some travelling too, mainly to the Netherlands.”
What do you enjoy most and what do you find challenging about your job?
“No two days are the same. It’s nice to travel and meet customers. I particularly like the international aspect.
Customers have diverse needs with regards to the support they require. F. Ball thrives on this individual and personalised client approach, providing them with information, reporting, etc. Ninety-five percent of supporting information is available online, including F. Ball’s Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG ®). I am here to facilitate queries requiring more tailored solutions.”
What would you say is your biggest achievement over the years?
“During the Overseas Distributor Seminar at our UK headquarters in June 2023 we were hosting and welcoming delegates from all over the world. I really enjoyed being involved in the preparation, organisation and delivery of such a great event, for which our clients gave five star reviews.”
Is there anything you’d like clients to know?
“F. Ball offers quality products, first-class support and a personalised approach. I encourage clients to get in touch if they have any questions or requirements. We are passionate about what we do.”
Finally, what do you do to unwind outside of work?
“Given our backgrounds in hospitality, my husband and I are keen foodies. I also enjoy being active and outdoors, so I swim, sail and go on hiking trips in my spare time.”