Inside IMS: Ceri Wright

Ceri’s professional background has been a real mixture of roles, but it’s been clear throughout that her passion is with people and helping others… 
“I started working at Lloyds bank when I first left school, I was there for 15 years and loved it! I decided to move on from that role to start a family. Fast forward a couple of years, I worked evenings in Next sorting the deliveries while my kids were young. I then went on to be Treasurer for the local pre-school, which enabled me to get offered a job within the local school! This was the ideal setup for me, as I needed time off in the school holidays to be with my family.” 
 
Once her children were older, Ceri decided that she was looking for a different path from the pre-school sector, ideally still working alongside people and she came across the role at IMS. At first Ceri was hired on a temporary contract but quickly became a permanent member of the team after only seven months!  
 
Ceri’s work ethic and drive has shown in the progression of the role as she explains how this has evolved since starting at the company and has now developed into assisting other departments… “I started off dealing with housekeeping duties, welcoming visitors, arranging appointments, and some general paperwork. I have been given the opportunity to take on more and I’m now supporting Finance, HR, and the Executive Assistant, which has been a great chance to develop my skills further and something I’ve enjoyed.” 
 
Typically, at IMS no days are the same and Ceri values this in her role, explaining that there are always different things to do and she appreciates the variety of the job! A day might start with going through emails, booking meeting rooms for the team, and welcoming visitors. This can be followed up with general assistance for the team and ensuring finance work is up to date.  
 
The role can sometimes be fast paced, with changes happening quickly and the need to adapt on the spot. For Ceri, her professional background has played a big part in helping her handle these challenges. The skills and experience Ceri has built up over the years mean she’s well prepared to navigate demanding environments, manage shifting priorities, and most importantly stay calm under pressure… “I am used to building relationships with different people, working as part of a team, and meeting deadlines. I’ve also had experience in needing to deal with immediate changes, busy environments, and stressful situations so I’m able to work under pressure when needed.” 
 
Prioritisation is key within an Admin Support role and Ceri says that that in order to stay on top of her daily tasks, this is something she must do. Occasionally Ceri will also get ad hoc tasks from other employees and board members so it’s key that she is organised and efficient to help ensure the business is running as smoothly as possible!  
 
On the days when things can become a little hectic, that’s when Ceri really leans into who she is… “I’m naturally pretty calm and laid back, I try not to let things get to me easily. I’ve always been a glass-half-full kind of person, so even when things are a busy, I always look for the positive and focus on what’s going well.” 
 
One area Ceri has really focused on since joining the team is building her confidence and it’s something she’s made great progress with, surprising herself along the way… “When I look back at where I started, I would tell myself don’t be so nervous! Although the role was a new environment for me, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how quickly I settled in, learned, and adapted. It’s been a confidence boost to realise I can rise to the challenge!” 
 
Ceri shares that the relaxed and supportive atmosphere at IMS really makes a difference in her day-to-day experience. The variety of tasks keeps things interesting, so there’s never a dull moment, but for her, it’s the people who stand out. The friendly, approachable team creates a comfortable environment where it’s easy to ask questions, take on new challenges, and genuinely enjoy the workday. That combination of variation, great colleagues, and a positive culture has been a huge part of helping Ceri feel at ease and positive in her role. 
 
Outside of the office, you’ll find Ceri spending time with her family, she has three grown-up children (one of which, she will be mother of the groom to next year!) or meeting up with her friends… “I enjoy going out with family & friends, concerts, meals, and the theatre. I also like animals, but I don’t have any pets as I can’t cope when they die…my children and husband keep me busy enough!” 
 
Speaking of animals, Ceri has a bit of a soft spot for an unexpected furry favourite, the Highland cow… “I love Highland Cows! I’m not actually sure why, but when I went to Scotland, I ended up buying a little metal figure of one and that was it. There’s just something about them, they’re cute in a funny sort of way, and I really like their long fringes.”  
 
When Ceri thinks about the future, one dream that comes to mind is living abroad! She pictures herself in a villa or apartment in Spain or Majorca, soaking up the sunshine and embracing the relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. We have to admit, that sounds pretty perfect to us too!