Plastic Pallet People: Anabel Cooper

Welcome to Plastic Pallet People, where we chat with the amazing team members who keep goplasticpallets.com moving forward. Today, we’re speaking with Anabel Cooper, our Logistics Coordinator, to hear about her role, her love for the job, and what makes goplasticpallets.com a special place to work.

Hi Anabel! Let’s start at the beginning – when did you join goplasticpallets.com, and what drew you to the company?

I joined goplasticpallets.com in March this year. I previously worked in business administration at an estate agency, but I was looking for a change. I wanted to find a role where I could develop my skills in a new industry, and I was drawn to goplasticpallets.com because, even though it’s a fairly large business, it has a real family feel. During the interview, I immediately felt welcomed and appreciated the company’s culture. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be here, and I could tell it was a supportive environment. That first impression really sold it to me!

You initially started as a Sales Admin. How did you make the move to Logistics Coordinator, and what was that transition like?

Yes, I originally joined as part of the sales team in an admin role, which was a great starting point. Then, around July, an opportunity came up that I wasn’t expecting. Our Manager Director Jim, Office Manager Emma, and our Finance Director Lee, called me and my colleague Luke into a meeting, and they offered us new positions. They asked me if I’d like to move into the logistics/operations side of the business, and I was honestly surprised – but really excited at the same time. It was clear they trusted me and believed I could take on the responsibility.

Luke moved into a purchasing and supply chain role, while I took over his previous logistics duties. The transition was a bit of a learning curve, but everyone was incredibly supportive. I received training from my colleagues, and they’ve all been so patient and helpful, especially Emma. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to guide me through it.

What does your day-to-day look like as a Logistics Coordinator? It sounds like a busy role!

Oh, it definitely is! No two days are the same, which is something I really enjoy. My primary responsibilities include coordinating transport arrangements, managing customs clearance for international shipments, and making sure our deliveries go out smoothly. I work closely with both the warehouse and sales teams to make sure everyone’s on the same page.

We typically have 12 or more shipping containers or trailers arrive at our headquarters in Eastbourne every week, so I need to think on my feet and ensure everything continues to move in the right direction. There’s a lot of coordination involved, so communication is key. I’m constantly in touch with different people, making sure they’re updated every step of the way.

You’re only a few months into this new role, but do you have any stand-out achievements so far?

A part of my role includes overseeing our industry-leading recycling scheme with Luke. We spend a lot of time working with customers who need to recycle old pallets and other plastic items. We organise collections, before shipping them to our recycling plant in Belgium, where they are made into new pallets. Since the scheme was launched in 2019, we have recycled more than 1722 tonnes of plastic, which is the equivalent of 324 truck loads!

As a young person, sustainability and the future of the planet is very important to me – and it’s incredibly rewarding to not only work for a company that prioritises green practices, but also to actively contribute to the future of our planet.

What’s the vibe like in the office?

I love it! It’s very friendly, but we also have a real laugh together at the same time. Our most recent night out was to the bowling alley. We had a couple of games and a few drinks. It’s always great to bond with your colleagues outside of the office.

As a junior member of the team, I recognise the importance of being given the opportunity to develop my skillset. Emma has taught me everything she knows; she’s been a real help to me. Also, I really appreciate the open door policy we have. When Emma is away from the office, and I have a question, I can go to Jim and he will always tell me the answer.

Fantastic. So what are your plans for the future?

I’m really excited to keep growing in my role and take on new challenges. There’s so much to learn in logistics, and I feel like I’m just scratching the surface. I’d love to continue developing my skills and maybe take on more responsibility within the logistics team as I go along. Knowing that I have the backing of a great team and the opportunity to keep building my career here is something I don’t take for granted.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I moved to Eastbourne from Kent, so I’m always making the effort to catch up with friends back home whenever I can. It’s really important to me to stay connected with the people I care about. I also love being outdoors, especially in the summer. You’ll often find me at the beach or paddleboarding when the weather’s warm enough – although it’s definitely a bit too chilly for that now!

Haha! You’d definitely need a wetsuit at the moment. Thanks for your time, Anabel…