As the shortest month of the year draws to a close, we speak to Dan Webster for February's Employee Spotlight. Dan works in our UK Steeton Factory and wanted to share his time and experience here at Acorn Stairlifts.
What is your job title and what does it entail?
My job title is Goods In Team Leader, and I manage a three-man team.
The job is really what it says on the tin. We make sure that all deliveries come into the factory safely and are checked off. We have to inform the correct departments if they have deliveries or put them into the most appropriate place if it is something that affects us. We deal a lot with the Goods Out team, as we unload the trucks that arrive, as well as load up the Supertrucks, which have all the stock that goes down to the installers in the south.
What does an average day look like for you?
On Fridays and the following Mondays, we load up and assist with the Supertrucks. At the moment, we have three trucks in rotation. We have a feeder truck because we are using a lot of stock.
Once I arrive at work, an average day would start by helping my team with their morning tasks, which involves sending feeds and stock to our production team as and when they need it. We have a good relationship with them, as we have to liaise with them quite a bit. Usually, after this, we will see what goods are coming in and going out and handle it accordingly. We have to see what comes through the door — we don't always know what is going to pull up. We're always kept busy!
Is there anything that people do not expect to come from your job role?
We deal with a lot of things that people wouldn't think would come under our remit. For example, we also help recycle all the waste that comes in, which tends to be a lot!
How long have you been working at Acorn?
I've been working at Acorn for 13 years this year, so I'm one of the long-timers. I haven't always been a part of the Goods In team. I started as an Installation Coordinator and worked with the Logistics team when they were starting out. I worked for Facilities for a year before running the Postroom for four years. I started my current role in Goods In just before the pandemic in 2020.
Before I worked at Acorn, I worked at McDonald's for four years, and I've found that this role is quite similar to what I'm doing here, even though people wouldn't think it is. You have to constantly think on your feet and maintain a service, adapting different aspects of the job as you go.
What is your favourite part about working in Goods In?
During my time in the Postroom, I got to the point where I had done the job I went in there for. It was running efficiently with what we were doing, so I felt like I didn't need to be there anymore. In Goods In, I like the fact that one minute it could be pretty quiet but the next I have to make quick decisions. You never know what's going to happen really
What is your favourite part about working in Goods In?
During my time in the Postroom, I got to the point where I had done the job I went in there for. It was running efficiently with what we were doing so I felt like I didn't need to be there any more. In Goods In, I like the fact that one minute it could be pretty quiet but the next I have to make quick decisions. You never know what's going to happen really—what is going to pull up in that yard.
I'm pretty happy cruising along as a Team Leader. I think I'm doing good things, and as a team, we are always growing with new challenges coming in every day.
Do you have a favourite memory about working at Acorn? What is it?
There's too many to name! I've always worked with a very good team and had some great laughs during my time at Acorn. When I worked in the Installations department, I got a bit of a nickname of being Mr Bean because I used to always do his silly dance and have a bit of a laugh. For me, it's good when you can have that kind of banter. You definitely get that in the job role I'm working in now, but it's probably a bit different as you can imagine.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I still actually want to do this— I would love to be a train driver. I've always been into trains. It sounds a bit sad really but not just trains themselves. I like the history and architecture of railway stations. I think some of them, even some of the modern ones, are just fantastic.
I wouldn't call myself a trainspotter—more of a railway enthusiast. Where I live in Skipton, it's perfect for me because I live so close to the railway station and can see the trains and freight trains going past every day. I couldn't live in a better place really!
What is one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
A lot of people don't think I'm 38. A lot of people are very shocked when they find out my age and that I'm married with three kids. I'll take it while I can. I even got ID'd by a Tesco delivery driver last week, who said I look under 25!
This or that?
Winter or Summer?
Definitely summer! I have two UK breaks planned for this year—one in Primrose Valley and one in Poole. We have to be good next year, as we've gone a bit wild this year.
Chocolate or Crisps?
Can I say both?! By a slim margin, I'd have to say chocolate. I've got a bit of a reputation for eating chocolate. My favourite has to be the plain Cadbury's Dairy Milk. I could eat loads of it.
Snakes or Spiders?
Neither! I hate both—anything slimy and creepy-crawly! I'd probably go snakes if I had to.
Takeaway or Dine out?
Probably takeaway. I'm not into fine dining. I don't mind a pub lunch but that's about it. My favourite takeaway would be either a Chinese or an Indian. I'm a big fan of spice and different flavours.
The Amazing Team Behind Acorn Stairlifts
Acorn's passion for helping countless people reach new heights all boils down to not only our confidence in our superior stairlift products, but the attentiveness and support of a team who truly cares about our customers and wants to make a difference.
From start to finish, Acorn assures that our customers are taken care of. From the strict standards we adhere to during manufacturing, to our superior stairlift servicing within your home, Acorn Stairlifts is hands-on throughout the entire process to ensure our customers are getting what they deserve—only the best.
Check back in later to learn more fun details about some of our other dedicated Acorn employees in the weeks to come.