This month, we are proud to celebrate a special milestone as Lynn French, Senior Production Operative, marks 10 years with CareFlex.

Before joining CareFlex, Lynn worked in the pub trade, where she owned and ran her own pub, working long and demanding hours. Having learned to sew at school, she was drawn to CareFlex by the opportunity to use her skills in a role that offered more balanced working hours.

When Lynn first joined the company, she was pleased to find that several of her new colleagues were people she had worked with before. Being reunited with familiar faces helped her settle into the team quickly and feel at home.

Reflecting on her decade with CareFlex, Lynn says the people, the purpose, and the team around her have played a huge part in why she has stayed.

“The difference that we make to people’s lives. My lovely team.”

Over the last 10 years, Lynn has progressed to become a Senior Production Operative. She takes great pride in organising work, supporting colleagues, and helping to train members of the production team. The variety of the role is something she particularly enjoys, with no two days ever quite the same.

“It’s not a monotonous job. There are different chairs, lots of variety in what you’re sewing and making, and training people is a really nice challenge. I’ve got a great group around me, my sewing bees; we’re all good friends, both at work and outside.”

One of Lynn’s most memorable experiences came during COVID. Despite the challenges faced by everyone, the production team worked tirelessly to continue supplying specialist seating to those who needed it most, including the company’s local hospital, Derriford.

“COVID affected everyone, but we still managed to get the chairs out to those who needed them.”

When asked what makes her proudest, Lynn highlights both the customers CareFlex has supported and the colleagues she has helped along the way.

“I feel very proud, both of the customers we’ve helped and the staff I’ve trained and supported.”

Throughout her time at CareFlex, Lynn has seen first-hand how the company supports its people, encourages progression, and creates opportunities for growth. She has watched colleagues develop their careers from entry-level roles into senior leadership positions and values the supportive culture across the business.

The working environment has also played an important part in her enjoyment of the role. Unlike the traditional image many people may have of a sewing factory, Lynn describes the production area as bright, comfortable, and well-equipped, creating a positive place to work every day.

Beyond the day-to-day work, Lynn also appreciates the social side of life at CareFlex, with company events and celebrations bringing colleagues together throughout the year. One of her favourite memories was the company’s 30th anniversary trip to London.

“It’s a good company to work for. We support each other and have good fun.”

As Lynn celebrates her 10-year anniversary, we would like to thank her for her dedication, expertise, and positive impact on both her colleagues and the many customers whose lives have been improved through her work.

 

Congratulations, Lynn, and thank you for 10 fantastic years at CareFlex.