Meet Our People: Zoe McLeod Business Support Manager

I manage the Business Support team who provide administration support to our busy Project Managers at Plowman Craven. In addition, I also look after our internal business systems and processes including the scoping, development and implementation of new processes as they're required.

I don’t work within a specialist survey team as such, but there are two other people who also focus on our business systems. Although we all work in different teams, we often meet together to ensure the business is getting the best out of the integration across the board.

I would say a typical day is made up of three key areas. Dealing with day to day questions on our systems and processes; building and managing our business reporting system; and further developing our business systems so we all work as efficiently as possible.

Listening to people and having a clear understanding of what they are trying to do, and what they need. Sometimes what they believe they need isn't always the best solution, so a combination of my experience and being able to "think outside of the box" helps to solve their problems and develop new systems. I work with a variety of different people and being able to take the initiative helps.

Being able to impact how we work. Ever since I started at Plowman Craven I've been encouraged to challenge the status quo and develop different and new ways of working. I love that I can bring ideas to the table and they will be listened to and actioned upon. They trust me and empower me to make changes.

A few years ago, I ran a project to move all of our business systems from on premise to the cloud and integrate them. It took a year but it was a major achievement and recognised within the business.

Outside of the business, a few years back I took part in a 10-week course for non-runners. One of my colleagues at the time was a running trainer and the aim was to get us running for 50 minutes non-stop. At the end of the course we took part in the Rennie Grove Herts 10k and I managed to run it all in 1 hour and 9 minutes. I really never thought it would be possible. It was a proud moment for me. Now, where are my running shoes...?

Clichéd, I know, but the people really are the best thing about Plowman Craven. I have made some great friends and the social events are always great fun.

I’m nuts! I talk a lot, and I'm happy (most of the time). I love a Friday afternoon challenge (Taskmaster for the office)!

Helping people solve problems. I love it when I am faced with a challenge, talking through ideas and possibilities and then coming up with a solution which is implemented.

I love dance and going to the theatre. I studied GCSE and A-Level Contemporary Dance and attended Coventry Centre for Performing Arts. While I may not be able to dance to that standard anymore, I will be the first on the dance floor at any party!

I have two Hungarian Vizsla's called Llandra and Pip who are my world and I love walking with them. They get me out in the fresh air every day.

I love travelling too. Whenever I go on holiday I never stay in the same place. I always go on a little road trip to make sure I see as much of the destination as I can.