Ella Smith-Dunn

Career Journey

• September 2019: Started at U&R as a part-time Accounts Assistant whilst completing my dissertation.

• November 2019: Moved to full-time HR and Payroll Assistant based with the Accounts Team

• January 2020: Moved to standalone HR and Payroll manager

What’s your favourite thing about U&R?

U&R is a family business that has grown but remains a family business at its core, putting its people first. Every day is different, with no two days the same.

What’s your favourite brand?

Pressio, their passion for sustainability and their dedication in ensuring their brand is ethical is infectious. Jamie spoke at our birthday meet up in Masham and his passion for his work and the environment were clear, after that I was sold!

What advice would you give someone starting out at U&R?

Whether you are passionate about running, fitness or customer services let it shine through in your application or interview. We are driven forward by our people and their passion for what they do!

What’s your favourite thing about working in the industry?

I have always run for fitness and attended gym classes, it’s rare that I’ll put on my shoes and run anything more than 5K but working with people who are passionate about running through and through is infectious. It makes you want to push yourself further whether it’s in your role or out on a run. There’s something new to get stuck into!

What are you passionate about?

It’s hard to put down into words but I think the best way to describe my passion is that I am passionate about people, whether it’s within my role at U&R or through volunteering and fundraising.

If you could do any job just for a day, what would it be?

If I could choose anything, it would be a forensic psychologist. Essentially, I would live in an episode of Criminal Minds for the day.