International Women’s Day at Maguires Country Parks

Today marks International Women’s Day 2024 and at Maguires Country Parks we’re shining a spotlight on some of the fantastic women we’re investing in to take our growing business forward:

We asked Sam, Gretchen, Lianne, and Kim what they enjoy about being part of the Maguires family and how they feel Maguires Country Parks Invest in Women:

Gretchen Wardman

Manager of Swaleside Country Park, Topcliffe, is in her 35th year with Maguires!  Her squiggly career, started with bookkeeping in 1989, working up to Financial Controller and now Gretchen is Park Manager of a beautiful North Yorkshire gem, passionate country park advocate.

“Maguires Country Parks has invested in me throughout my career, from putting me through my accountancy qualifications on day release, to investing their faith in my ability to learn brand new skills when I moved into park management! Maguires is a family-oriented company where we all get the chance to grow along with the business.  I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. I love still learning new things – sales, video techniques, Customer Relationship Management systems – even fitting gas bottles! I love this company. I love this family. It’s been my life.”

To tour Gretchen’s pride and joy visit: Swaleside Country Park. 

Sam Turnbull

Our People Business Partner, is the heart of our organisation, helping to promote a positive work environment, promoting diversity, and ensuring employee well-being.

“One of the many ways that Maguires Country Parks invest in me, is giving me time to take part in an external mentoring programme. I get exposure to new perspectives and different ways of working. This helps me grow my knowledge and confidence and means I bring back new ideas to implement at Maguires Country Parks. The investment in my development really helps me perform at my best in my role.”

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn to find out more about how Maguires Country Parks Invest in Women and opportunities to work with Maguires: Samantha Turnbull | LinkedIn. 

Lianne

Systems Management Accountant, looks after management information for Maguires Country Parks, because if you can measure it, you can improve it, right? Lianne is key to keeping us all on track.

“Especially when I first started, I appreciated having a voice and a say in how things were done. I was recommending and putting in a new system almost immediately and being trusted from day one to say how we should work. Maguire Country Parks invested their faith in me to steer them in the right direction and gave me a chance to make a real impact on the business.”

To get in touch with Lianne visit: Lianne Stephenson | LinkedIn

Kim Gallagher

Our Head of Marketing, worked with us for a long time as a consultant and is now revolutionising our campaigns and strategies in-house.

“I was impressed by the way this business values knowledge and passion and loyalty. They just don’t seem to see sex or age or disability or race. They genuinely treat everyone with respect. This business is hungry to learn and grow, and if they can learn something from you, if your ideas can drive them forward, they want to hear what you have to say and they will invest in you and in your career.” 

Get in touch with Kim on LinkedIn to find out more about our PR and Marketing: Kim (Galvin) Gallagher MSc MCIM | LinkedIn.

Maguires Country Parks continues to to invest in women, because, quite simply, the women in our team are making a phenomenal, positive difference to the success of our business. Happy International Women’s Day! 🌸