Over 500 members of staff have been at Bluewater since the beginning. We talk to three people who have worked at Bluewater for the last 10 years and ask them about life at Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination.

Ken Francis is the Senior Events Co-ordinator and a familiar face at Bluewater. He joined the centre in January 1999.

My role
I work closely with the Bluewater Management Team to make sure all the events come together. I check that Health & Safety is adhered to for all events to ensure the guests and members of staff are safe and comfortable. I also host tours around Bluewater.

Background
I was in business for 20 years, as a butcher in Sevenoaks. I sold it to go into semi-retirement and came to Bluewater. I have been here ever since!
A typical day
I could be looking after film crews, managing the crowds at book signings, looking after celebrities and overseeing events in the malls. On average I can walk about 20 miles a day, so it keeps me fit.
My achievements
My greatest satisfaction comes from putting a smile on people’s faces as well as making sure events run smoothly.
Favourite part of my job
I like the fact that it’s varied and I get to meet lots of interesting people, whether Bluewater guests or celebrities. I also love working with such a great team. I love my job, I love Bluewater. I probably see more of Bluewater than I do of my wife!
My greatest challenge at work
Sometimes trying to fit it all in the working day. Working for so many different departments makes it challenging in terms of workload but we work hard to make it happen.
The best thing about working at Bluewater
Variety. Visiting all the different retailers, meeting so many interesting people and hearing so many stories. The environment in general is quite amazing, the architecture and also the parklands are lovely. If you are ever having a bad day you can go for a walk around the park for 10 minutes!

Pam Welch, Senior Sales at Lakeland joined Bluewater in October 1998.

My role
My role is overseeing the day-to-day running of the store including banking, deliveries, recruitment, stock management and ensuring that all guests leave with everything they need. Customer service is the most important thing here at Lakeland.
Background
I started at Lakeland at Bluewater 10 years ago on a part-time basis and progressed to a full – time position. Prior to working at Bluewater I was a housewife.
A typical day
My day normally starts at around 7am when our vehicles arrive. The morning is spent unloading deliveries and merchandising the store. I then do the banking, and ensure we are set up for the day ahead. There is a real team atmosphere here and everyone chips in to ensure we have everything ready for our guests.
My Achievements
My greatest achievement is working my way up through the grades at Lakeland.
Favourite part of my job
Merchandising – I love making the displays for the store and arranging our new product lines. I love helping guests, and advising them on what products are best for them. I am like a personal shopper for the home.
My Greatest Challenge at work
Christmas is a very challenging time, as we have a much larger product range. The days just aren’t long enough sometimes. But we get through it because we have such a great team.
The best thing about working at Bluewater
The team. We all get on so well in and out of work. I love the variety of my job, and no two days are the same. I also love the guests here at Bluewater and the atmosphere. And it’s great that parking is free!

Malcolm Cooper, 67, is the main chaplain at Bluewater Chaplaincy. He joined Bluewater in September 1996.

My role
I work for Kent Workplace Mission, which has a Working Agreement with Bluewater to guide our services and relationship with them.  I am a faith-based person sharing the daily working life of staff at Bluewater. My role is related to the well being of Bluewater staff and helping them achieve value added dimensions beyond commercial gain.

Background
I spent the first 55 years of my like in South Africa.  My time there included 15 years in government law and 24 years as a Methodist minister.  My last job was developing a new mission approach to inner city life.

A typical day
Relating to people in their working environments and where I have access as a Chaplain.  I also relate to faith-based people at work and in community business relations.   In general I go into the work place to provide an intentional presence for God but I do not promote any particular religion. 

My achievements
When I think of Bluewater, I see Bluewater as a successful business.  What I hope to achieve is to support and care for people, especially those there.
Favourite part of my job
People.  The kind of feedback I get back here is that people are grateful that I am part of the daily work scene as their chaplain. 
My greatest challenge at work
Encouraging those who do not understand and might oppose the benefit that a faith-based presence in a commercial and working environment can achieve.
The best thing about working at Bluewater
Three things. Bluewater is refreshing, dynamic and committed to people.