Team Talk with Al Fox

2 min read time
In this month’s Team Talk, we caught up with Al Fox, our HR Business Partner who joined the Willerby family in August this year.

Al has almost eight years of HR experience, previously working in HR roles at companies across Hull and the East Riding.

Q. Tell us about your job and what it involves.

A. I help to manage the full lifecycle of an employee’s journey right from their recruitment, which is massive at the moment as we’ll soon welcome the largest intake of apprentices in Willerby’s history, alongside the other recruitment demands brought about by the growth of the staycation market.

I’m excited to explore how we can support our staff and managers as we move beyond the challenges of the pandemic and develop the talent we have in the business.

Every day is different and it’s very hands on.

Q. What’s the best thing about your job?

A. Definitely, the variety, and I actually enjoy knowing the day won’t follow a set pattern. If you’re in a role in HR, you’re not likely to get through a daily “to do” list because events can take a completely different direction in an instant. Reacting, ensuring a successful outcome, and making improvements for the future is what I’m passionate about. Our team aims to make sure that everyone is supported across the business.

Q. What does being part of the Willerby team mean to you?

A. Working with great people always makes your day better and I have definitely found that in my short time at Willerby. I’m proud to work for a successful Hull-based business and I’m really pleased to be part of the team at this exciting time. There has been a huge boost to the staycation market and I think it’s brilliant that the business is able to offer so many apprenticeship opportunities to a generation of young people who’ve been massively impacted by the pandemic.

Q. If you didn’t work for Willerby and you could do any job in the world, what would it be?

A. I would say a pop star, but I can’t sing, so I’ll choose being a spy as my favourite TV show is Homeland. It would mean I’d still have a job that was people orientated and would get to understand how they tick.

Q. What’s your secret claim to fame?

A. I met all of Girls Aloud, Westlife, Blue and other bands and artists when I won a competition run by Viking FM back in the day, I was only about 10 years old. I love my cheesy music, but that’s not a secret!

They were performing locally and my Mum had nominated me for taking care of her after she had broken her back in an accident.