Helen Hartley
UK Packaged Director
Dedicated football mum of two with a passion for realising potential in both people and business.
I joined Nichols in 2015 and have seen, experienced and excitingly been part of the exceptional growth journey the business has been on. I am passionate about FMCG and spent the early part of my career in confectionery where my obsession for brands and products emerged. Looking after the licensing strategy initially for Nichols further ignited my passion for Vimto and seeing the pleasure and joy that the brand brings to so many audiences continues to inspire me. The opportunity to now take that inspiration and make a real difference to the core soft drinks business so that the brand prevails for the next 100+ years is a real privilege.
Vision for Nichols Future
Working for Vimto was always something I aspired too and now to be part of the team that has the responsibility and opportunity to truly turn the UK purple is really exciting. I am equally, incredibly passionate about ensuring that we deliver sustainable growth for future generations and that we continue to build and nurture exceptional partnerships. Businesses for me have a broader responsibility and being part of a business that “does the right things, in the right way” is and will continue to be critical in the long term.
What has been your experience working as part of Nichols?
Nichols is a special place, and, in my experience, I can honestly say it has always been and remains the people that make it such a unique place to work. Importantly this culture runs throughout the entire business whether in a senior leadership role through to people working out in the field. It really is an inclusive space where people can be their individual selves and where there is always opportunity to grow with a real sense of “family” despite the size and scale of the business.
Nichols beverage of choice
Has to be a fizzy Vimto (zero), I remember drinking this as a child in my grandparent’s hotel in Blackpool. Happy memories and still to this day a phenomenal drink (especially with a chippie tea!).
What do you do in your downtime?
Being a full-time working mum of two is no easy task so downtime is important! I love to travel, cook and keep fit. Both my son (Oliver, 14) and daughter (Amelia, 9) are dedicated footballers and so you will often find me on a football pitch at the weekend or else spending time with friends and family.
Life before Nichols:
I have worked in FMCG for almost 20 years now starting my career with the Co-op in the Brand Management Department and progressing to what is now Valeo Confectionery (previously Tangerine Confectionery) where I progressed through a number of Marketing and Commercial roles over a 9 year period. It is exciting to now be able to harness and apply those varied experiences here at Nichols.
First-ever job:
My first job was at the age of 13 working in the local Spar convenience store. I think I got paid somewhere in the region of £1.50 an hour but loved every minute of it. I can still remember to this day some of the eccentric customers and their regular Saturday orders!