Meet Cherie Bowden, our Accounting & Business Administrator.

Cherie thrives working in a varied, challenging and dynamic role and takes her inspiration from her ambitious children.

From a long stint working with the Grampian Fire and Rescue Service to approaching challenges with positivity and her love of travel, get to know Cherie a little more in our latest staff interview below...

What’s your career background?

I have always worked in Accounts & Finance, spending many years in the Finance Department of the Grampian Fire & Rescue Service which I enjoyed immensely. However, in 2013 the eight legacy Fire Service units across Scotland merged to become the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and as a result many supporting departments were centralised. I decided it was a good time to move on and experience what the energy sector had to offer as a career.  Since then, I have not looked back and enjoyed working in both large-scale organisations as well as smaller niche businesses. For me, I find working for a specialist SME a much more rewarding experience from a professional perspective as I’m exposed to so much more and not just a cog in a giant wheel.

What do you like about working at HydraWell?

The people. I am lucky enough to work with a fantastic bunch here in the UK and further supported by the team headquartered across the North Sea in Norway. There is a real sense of team spirit within HydraWell, which makes each day enjoyable to go to work.

What has been your biggest work challenge, and how did you overcome it?

I think most people will be able to relate to my response to this question given the events over the last 12 months. Working from home during lockdown with very little preparation was initially a shock to everyone as we adapted and overcame ways to effectively manage even the simplest of things that we take for granted.

Finding the right balance of home becoming the new work environment, not to mention home becoming the new classroom, I can say without a doubt that the first few months were by far the most challenging of my career to date.

However, I am a solutions person, and I was determined to overcome these issues by approaching every challenge with positivity. I focused on ensuring effective planning was in place so I was as prepared as possible to handle change as it arose as best as I could.

This pandemic has shown that streamlining the way we work can be hugely beneficial and I think intercompany communication has improved despite remote working. It actually encouraged our team to have more informed and structured meetings, particularly with my colleagues in Norway. It is certainly a big positive for me and ultimately a trend I aim to continue when we reach some normality in time.  

What do you most enjoy about the work you do?

Working in a smaller company has allowed me to be involved in so many aspects of the day-to-day operational activities in the UK. Our working environment provides an opportunity for me to see the whole service and I’m fascinated with the technology. Through my strong relationships with colleagues, I have broadened my understanding of how we operate and support our growing client base, which I really enjoy. Also, my working day is always varied, challenging and dynamic – just the way I like it. It keeps me on my toes and I feel I perform best under pressure.

What inspires you?

My Children. Perhaps a cliche for a working Mum and one that most parents will agree with. However, I am so proud to support my children set goals, achieve and exceed them – I find it hugely inspirational. They both have so much drive – I could most definitely learn a thing or two from them!

Where is your favourite place in the world?

I have always loved travelling so this is a difficult question as there are so many wonderful places to see! Over the years, I have been lucky enough to see a fair bit of the world, but I have to say that I find the history and beauty of Greece quite special. Hopefully, when travel restrictions ease, I can plan some more travels as there are many places I would love to visit – Japan is a must on my list!

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

The Crown. I’m extremely late to the party on this one as it has been around for years. I have only just started watching season one and am hooked!