As Executive Officer for Tewkesbury Abbey, Philippa’s role is to ensure that modern-day business processes and technology work effectively for a treasured, historical building, which has dates back nearly 900 years.
Philippa runs the office at Tewkesbury Abbey and it is her team who are likely to be the first contact for someone who wants to book a service, event or tour at the Abbey. The office team works with colleagues in the other departments to make sure that everything that happens in the Abbey runs smoothly.
Philippa explains: “There has been a church on the site of Tewkesbury Abbey since Saxon times and the current building was consecrated in 1121 but we need to run a 21st century business. So that means we need to make sure equipment, such as our IT and phone technology works for us along with processes and procedures, such as HR.”
Before joining the Abbey in 2007, Philippa was the Manager of The Wine Rack, which was where Costa Coffee is now in Tewkesbury High Street. Before that she ran her own restaurant in Bangor, North Wales and was an office administrator for an Australian computer software reseller.
Philippa explains: “I love the sense of community in Tewkesbury. We recently had a BBC Antiques Roadshow filmed at the Abbey and I was amazed and delighted at the involvement from the community; businesses and residents who helped us with catering, logistics and getting the message across.
She adds: “I want to share with others my love of Tewkesbury, its people and just how fantastic it is to live and work here.”