We proudly celebrate Jenny Brown’s 20-year milestone with Millcroft this year. As PA to our Managing Director, Roy Jones, and the friendly face at the front of house, Jenny has become an integral part of the company’s success story. Here, we look back on her journey, her evolving role, and her invaluable contribution to Millcroft.
From the heart of the country to the heart of Millcroft
Jenny’s career began in her hometown of Birmingham, where she worked in a day nursery, having studied childcare in college. At the age of 17, she moved to London to work as a live-in nanny, then paused her career to raise three sons.
“I met my husband on the train!” explains Jenny. “He’s also from the Midlands and we both used to travel back home on weekends.”
With her children at school, Jenny decided to retrain, earning an NVQ in administration so that she could start a new career as a receptionist. “I was a complete novice as I’d worked in a nursery and childcare. I’d never had to use a computer,” explains Jenny, ”I started working part-time in reception and customer service, and after a few years, when my boys were a little bit older, I went full-time.”
When her previous employer relocated, Jenny moved to Millcroft, taking on a receptionist and administration position.
A role that’s grown with the times
Jenny’s responsibilities at Millcroft have evolved over the years, reflecting her adaptability and the company’s growth. When she first started, she managed reception duties, greeted visitors, answered calls, and typed up scaffolding quotes. One of her key duties was organising the Friday Club – a series of client lunches held several times a year. Jenny was responsible for the bookings, liaising with venues and arranging seating plans for the various tables. “There was a lot to organise, but I really enjoyed it,” she says.
When Roy’s PA left to start a family, she recommended Jenny for the role of PA to the Managing Director and Jenny’s responsibilities expanded to include managing training and arranging corporate events.
Rising to challenges and adapting to digital transformation
While Jenny’s role has brought plenty of rewarding moments, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Adapting to an increasingly digital workplace has been one of the biggest shifts over the past 20 years. “When I first started, everything was manual,” she recalls. “We typed letters, logged tenders into a book, and handled physical post daily. Now, it’s all electronic.”
When tenders and quotes became digital, and people started to do their own correspondence via email, Jenny's day-to-day work became streamlined, freeing up time for other tasks within the company. This has included supporting the accounts team and taking on invoice duties as needed.
The people behind her 20-year journey
The people at Millcroft have made a significant difference in Jenny's life. “My first impression of the company was that everyone is friendly, welcoming and supportive,” she says.
Whether it’s been guidance from Roy, Billy or Sam or the camaraderie among colleagues, Jenny has always felt part of a close-knit team and this is something she wants all newcomers to the business to experience. “Starting a new job can be daunting, but we’re all here to help. Everyone’s door is always open.”
Reflecting on what’s changed at Millcroft over the years, Jenny highlights the increased focus on health and safety and stringent accreditations. “They’re a big part of the business now, and that’s a good thing,” says Jenny. This emphasis has raised Millcroft's standards and strengthened its status as a leader in the scaffolding industry.
Life beyond the desk
When Jenny isn’t working, she’s busy with family and her new Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy, Max. She loves spending time with her three sons and two grandsons, lunching with her daughters-in-law, and socialising with friends. Now that her boys have their own families, Jenny and her husband have started to travel, mainly to Europe, but they’re also beginning to explore further. They recently visited Jamaica, marking their first long-haul flight.
Final thoughts from Jenny and Roy
Ever modest, Jenny says her proudest achievement is reaching her 20-year milestone. “I’m proud to have adapted and grown with the company and to still be here after all these years!” she laughs.
“I’ve really enjoyed the past 20 years and look forward to many more. Millcroft is a great place to work; everyone has an excellent working relationship, and we’re a family.”
Millcroft MD Roy Jones presented Jenny with flowers, chocolates and gifts, surrounded by the team, to mark her 20 year Millcroft anniversary. He had this to say about his PA of 15 years:
“It’s been a pleasure working with Jenny over the past 20 years. She has always been ready to adapt as needed; and has been a completely loyal and trustworthy PA to me. Some companies have a conveyor belt of staff and that works for them, but at Millcroft we look for longevity and see our team as our extended family. Jenny is a lovely person inside and out and a real asset to Millcroft. We’re very appreciative of the valuable role she plays here.”
