Farewell to Atlantic Business Centre Manager

We’re sorry to say goodbye to our Atlantic Business Centre Manager, Jill Scoltock, who left us on Friday to embark on a well-deserved retirement.

Jill joined the Bizspace team in February 2007, making her one of our longer serving  managers. Jill’s track record was flawless, having previously run another Cheshire business centre for 16 years with 100% occupancy, 100% of the time.

Premier standards

Jill remembers: “When I first started at the Atlantic Business Centre the occupancy was around 57% and the site needed improving considerably. It was an enormous task, but all the hard work is now reflected in the centre being referred to as a premier Bizspace site. 

“I am extremely proud of the achievements of the Bizspace team here, who have all worked very hard to achieve the goals we set, but like the Forth Bridge…there is always more to do and we don’t get complacent!”

Just a perfect day

It has been a busy and productive time under Jill’s seven-year stint as a Bizspace Business Centre Manager, with many happy memories. However, one day in particular stands out for Jill as being very special.

“It’s easy to choose my most memorable day at Bizspace because it also happens to be my birthday. On 19 May 2011, I had a day off work for my birthday and also my first blind date with Ian, who is now my partner. We went shoe shopping to my favourite shop, Shoetique in Hale.

“I already knew that Shoetique was looking for new premises. So whilst treating myself to two pairs of shoes, I chatted to one of the owners, Kate Conroy, and explained I knew exactly what she needed and had the perfect space. Incidentally, Kate’s husband and co-owner, Stuart, was out looking for business space at the exact same time. My date, Ian, turned and asked me if I was doing business on my day off and I said ‘yes!’

“Shoetique moved into a 1,400 square foot unit in our centre that year, then later upgraded to a workplace more than double the size, and they now have a business space of 5,500 square feet and are my biggest customer to date.

“It’s a big step for a start-up or entrepreneur to move into a professional workspace for the first time. As a centre manager, you really have to take care of them and continue to support them as their business grows.”

Homes and horses

After a successful career, Jill is now looking forward to embracing retirement.

“Without a doubt, the thing I’ll miss the most about working for Bizspace is the people. However, after 44 years of uninterrupted employment, I am looking forward to enjoying this time in my life.”

Now, Jill and her soon-to-be-retired partner, Ian, plan to spend their time on home renovations but before that, are celebrating stepping down from work with a New Year’s Eve trip to Bruges. Jill has been a keen horse rider since she was seven years old and will also have more time to look after her ex-race horse thoroughbred named Get Up and Go Go.

We wish Jill all the very best!

We now welcome Shelley O’Reilly as Atlantic Business Centre Manager, who previously worked at the Bold Business Centre in St Helens. If you’re interested in space at Altrincham, please contact Shelley by email or phone on 0161 926 3600.