Helen Thain, Finance and Administration Manager
I’m proud to say that I’ve been working for Asset Alliance Group since the business was established in 2012. Together with Anne Weaver, we are the longest serving women in the company.
The business has grown and changed so much in the past 11 years – from two small offices in Strathaven to a company with five depots employing 140 staff that achieved an income of £100m in 2022!
I started as an office manager, handling some finance tasks including the sales and purchase ledgers. I’m now Finance and Administration Manager at Newmains, overseeing a team of three finance assistants. Among my responsibilities is managing the Direct Debit system for customers who have entered into contract hire or lease agreements on vehicles.
What I enjoy most is the people I work with on a daily basis and those I interact with across departments – we have a great team. We work hard but have a good laugh.
I think the senior management figures foster a positive culture within the business and do their utmost to encourage effective collaboration and inclusivity.
From great colleagues to excellent management, it’s a supportive working environment with some good perks and social events. The company really looks after the welfare and wellbeing of its staff. It’s so good that my son is now working here – and he’s thriving.
It’s amazing how much the company has evolved over the years. What’s great is that people can grow with the business as well – there’s a real career pathway and lots of opportunities to progress. I’m forever flying the flag for gender diversity, and that’s definitely changed for the better, which is fantastic, although there’s still more work to do. It’s important to have more women as part of a business and healthy for the workplace to have a diverse mix of people.
We have strong leadership and, in Willie Paterson, a CEO who really listens and engages with his staff. In Newmains, we treat him like just another team member. He’s a really good boss. On a Friday morning, he sometimes buys us bacon rolls and we had pizza on Employee Appreciation Day. It’s all these little things that matter; it’s the thought that counts.
Willie is very driven and has lots of ideas. I’m excited to see what happens next and to be part of the company’s next stage of growth.
