Q+A with Shirley Jenkins at Fileturn

By November 16, 2017News

We are continuing to learn more about the Suppliers we work closely with and this month our Q+A focuses on Fileturn. Having used Fileturn in previous projects, we were keen to get a closer insight to the company and their thoughts on the industry.

How would you sum up your company in three words?
Professional, Friendly, Reliable

How long has the company been established and how long have you been working for them?
Fileturn Ltd has been established for 20 years and I have been working with them for 13 years.

What is your role at the company?
I am the company’s Sales Manager

What is the best part of the job?
I really enjoy meeting all the clients and professional teams, working on new and exciting projects around the UK

Where have you been most proud of seeing your work in-situ?
We have just completed the Doubletree Kingston Upon Thames which was a new shell and core building with 8 floors. The fit-out was a comprehensive project that included every facet of the hotel.

Do you have a favourite new product this year?
As a main contractor we don’t usually specify products, but I do like companies that provide solutions to difficult problems, I find that Grohe always assist us on site.

How do you promote your brand to make sure it stays in the mind of your buyers/consumers?
We promote our company through brochures, newsletters, industry events and one to one meetings with clients.

Are there brands in the industry that you admire, what makes them great?
I admire Hilton and IHG for their diverse range of brands which they can offer to developers or franchisees, giving them flexibility to choose according to their budget.

The design calendar seems to grow every year. Do you have a favourite interiors/design exhibition?
I always enjoy the BCFA Annual Lunch where most of our industry congregates for a yearly catch up.  I also enjoy the Sleep Event, again it’s an ideal show to see new products and meet old friends!

How much travel is involved with your job, do you have a favorite country to visit? Why do you enjoy it?
As Fileturn’s clients are based within the UK, most of my time is spent driving or flying to meetings.  I particularly enjoy my visits to Scotland great people and beautiful cities.

How do you see your company evolving over the next few years? Do you have any plans you can share with us?
Fileturn has grown organically over the years and we continue to grow in size and turnover with the ability to take on larger more prestigious projects handled by our team of professional quantity surveyors and contract managers.  I am looking to expand our sectors to include offices and also larger residential projects.

You’ve worked with some of the most high-profile brands in the hotel and hospitality sector, do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline you can tell us about?
We are currently on site with one of the first Hilton Curio hotels at Lincoln Plaza which should open early 2018.

How do you keep your cool in stressful environments, when adhering to deadlines and brand guidelines is paramount?
It’s funny, I don’t really get stressed, but when the projects team are under pressure I try to assist in any way I can, liaising with the clients and the profession teams involved to ensure that the job runs smoothly.

What are the key trends you are seeing in the hotel sector at the moment, is there a common theme?
I see a big rise in developers looking at the Aparthotel market, there are many new brands offering this versatile accommodation.

Many thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Shirley! It’s been great learning more about Fileturn.

For more information on Fileturn please visit their website www.fileturn.co.uk