Hannah Bentley, Operations Manager at the Sandbanks Office, oversees our Operations Department, HR, and business improvements. Hannah describes the team as the beating heart of the company, which also consists of three other integral women at the company – Natalie Gomez, Cherie Reed & Vikki Collins.

This close-knit team shares a passion for helping people, being dependable, and creating a fun work environment for their colleagues!

What is one valuable thing you’ve learned in your career so far?

Patience! My personality is to move quickly from one thing to another. My job roles have always been reactive therefore learning to slow down to make decisions or finish a task has been very valuable.

What’s your work background?

Having started as a Sales Assistant at Halfords to working as a Senior Service Advisor at Audi, my passion for helping people and having valuable knowledge has always driven me to want more.

Then, when I bought my first home at the age of 21, I knew my next career move would be into property. My first role with AJ Developments opened a path for me to learn about the construction industry, business operations and processes within property development. The experience of growing with a smaller company has allowed me the opportunity to develop my career whilst working for a passionate and thriving business.

Is there anything specific you love doing in your role and anything you’re hoping to achieve in the future?

Having worked with Investors in People over the past 3 years, it has been a great experience leading our HR processes and being involved in the huge changes we have made as a company in a short space of time.

I am passionate about our staff and processes to ensure that we are putting our employees at the heart of what we do. The goal would be to achieve a higher accreditation with Investors in People for the business and continue my professional development within HR.

What are your key topics/areas of the business that you focus on?

My main area of focus is all aspects of HR, Management and business improvement including continually improving the journey for our clients and homeowners. However, given the opportunity to support my team or any other teams in day-to-day operations is a priority.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a vet. However, those dreams slowly drifted away as I was, and still am, petrified of cows!

Would you rather be able to fly, or breathe underwater?

Breathe underwater! I have a fear of drowning.

What is your guilty pleasure?

A kids film! If my little boy wants to watch a Disney film, I will never say no.

What are your personal hobbies?

I love being creative. Any opportunity to draw, paint or create something I am there. I also love exploring new places and being outside.

Do you have a claim to fame?

No claim to fame as such but I have had the pleasure of working/meeting a few celebrities including Beverly Knight, Jamie Redknapp and Karl Pilkington.

What is the best place you’ve ever travelled/visited?

I always try to visit a new destination every holiday I go on, however the most memorable and interesting place has to be Budapest! I loved the food, culture, scenery and history of Budapest and would visit again in a heartbeat.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To go on safari – this is my ultimate dream!

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

Bread! I love bread and I don’t think there is a day which goes by where I don’t eat some form of bread.

And finally, what’s your ideal holiday?

A beach holiday on an island in Greece. I love the sun, sea and gyros – because, of course, it’s served in bread!