This is the touching story of a woman who, while battling a long-term illness, found herself alone as a patient in the oncology ward at University Hospital Galway (UHG). Elohim, our dedicated contract manager, learned that she had no family in Ireland. Without hesitation, he began visiting her regularly, offering companionship and support during each of his shifts. Watch as Elohim shares his story, embodying our purpose to create healthier, safer communities today, for a better tomorrow.
WATCH: Purpose Hero – Marilyn Haddington
As our colleague, Marilyn carried out her duties at Dinnington Interchange, she noticed a man in distress and took action. What happened next revealed the true meaning of quick thinking and compassion in the face of an emergency.
LISTEN: Purpose Hero – James Wellesly Cole
On a cold January night around 11:00 p.m., James was just starting his shift when a call came in from security. A young woman, barefoot and in pyjamas, was seen wandering near the power station. As James got closer, he noticed she had visible signs of self-harm. What happened next was far from ordinary…
Bidvest Noonan Promotes Darren Martin to Director of Operations for Security Division in Ireland
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Darren Martin to Director of Operations for our Security Division in Ireland. Darren’s significant contributions to our business and the industry, along with his dedication to delivering exceptional service for our customers, have been key factors in the decision to appoint him to this role.
Darren joined Bidvest Noonan in 2019 as a Strategic Account Manager, bringing over 20 years of experience in security, operations, and account management. His expertise has played a crucial role in effectively managing service delivery and driving exceptional performance for our blue-chip corporate and retail accounts. Darren’s proactive approach and problem-solving skills have consistently led to effective contract management and risk reduction for our customers.
Darren has an impressive track record in security and has been honoured with several awards, including the prestigious OSPA’s Outstanding Contract Security Director of the Year Award in 2023.
Reflecting on his promotion, Darren said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity at such an exciting time for our business. Our goals for the future are ambitious, and I look forward to helping achieve them.”
Mary Kealy, our Managing Director, commented: “Darren’s promotion to Director of Operations is well-deserved. His expertise and commitment have been key to our success in the security space. I am confident that with his leadership skills and expertise, our security services will continue to excel and provide outstanding results for our clients.”
From Cleaning Operative to GMP Expert: Alexander Escalante shares his journey at Bidvest Noonan
GMP Expert Alexander Escalante’s story at Bidvest Noonan is a powerful example of growth and professional development. Our marketing team met Alexander at a customer site, a leading pharmaceutical company, where they were warmly greeted by a colleague who showed the confidence of a true master in his field. They were keen to hear his story and discover what he believes are the fundamentals for high performance in GMP environments.
Dedication and Drive: The Pillars of Alexander’s Career
Alexander, or as his closest colleagues like to call him, Alex, began his professional journey in the recruitment sector, specifically staffing for cruise lines. This early role gave him a deep appreciation for the importance of every individual’s contribution to a larger operation. This experience subtly influenced his understanding of the significance of each task, no matter how minor, in achieving broader objectives. This insight would become a foundational aspect of his subsequent career in the Life Sciences sector.
Joining Bidvest Noonan in 2004, Alex brought this profound understanding, coupled with strong ambition and passion, to the role. This saw him seize the opportunities to train and develop in the business and he propelled through the ranks which saw him rise from the role of a cleaning operative to that of a GMP supervisor.
Hailing from the Philippines, Alex now has 20 years’ experience in the facilities industry. His role now extends beyond meeting the stringent standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the Life Sciences sector. He plays a vital role in supporting the safe production of life-saving medications, firmly believing that the work he and his team perform is crucial and far from just routine.
During our conversation with Alex, we asked him to identify five fundamentals he believes are key to high performance in GMP environments.
- Ensure Your Team Has the Right Tools
“It might seem obvious, but the foundation of an effective cleaning team lies in providing them with the right tools and resources,” says Alex. He emphasises the necessity of having the latest cleaning equipment, quality materials, and technology. This approach doesn’t just boost efficiency; it ensures the team meets the demanding standards required in pharmaceutical environments. “In this sector, running out of essential supplies can disrupt the creation of a clean and safe environment,” he adds.
- Invest in Comprehensive Training and Mentoring
Training is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping understanding and commitment. Alex advocates for a robust training program that guides team members to understand the ‘why’ behind their tasks. “This method results in a team that’s not just technically skilled but also deeply committed to the significance of their roles,” he notes. “In environments like these, there’s no room for lapses in training, so it’s of the utmost importance.”
Bidvest Noonan has some exciting new plans for our people in the life sciences sector. These plans are set to enhance how we train our colleagues particularly in GMP environments, ensuring even higher standards and expertise.
- Create a High-Standards Mindset
Encourage your team to appreciate the impact of their work. Alex suggests, “Help your team understand their crucial role in the broader context of the site you work at. For instance, some of our teams at Bidvest Noonan work with customers who produce life-saving medication.” Realising this often elevates daily tasks to a mission, where there is a collective focus on its success. This creates a strong culture of excellence and meticulous attention to detail.
- Strict Adherence to SOPs
“Each Life Sciences site has its specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and adhering to these is paramount,” Alex points out. Following these SOPs rigorously is vital to maintain the integrity of cleaning processes and uphold the necessary standards for safe pharmaceutical production. “We want our customer to rest assured knowing that the service we deliver will never interrupt their operations, only support it”.
- Promote Open Communication and Safety
Creating an environment where team members can express concerns and observations freely is essential. “A culture that prioritises safety and proactive problem-solving can significantly improve performance,” Alex explains. Encouraging a setting where every issue, big or small, is addressed can lead to a reduction in lost-time accidents at customer sites.
Julie Mernagh joins Bidvest Noonan as its new Chief People & Culture Officer.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Mernagh as our Chief People & Culture Officer. Julie’s extensive experience and proven track record in human resources, talent development, and organisational culture make her an ideal fit for aligning with Bidvest Noonan’s needs and values.
An Impressive Background
In her previous role as the Global Head of Leadership and Talent Development at Vodafone, Julie was instrumental in developing innovative leadership and talent strategies across Europe and Africa. Julie drove pioneering Diversity & Inclusion policies, enabling Vodafone to become a leader in this space.
Julie’s professional journey includes a senior leadership role at AIB, a major commercial bank in Ireland and the UK, where she directed organisational culture initiatives central to the people strategy. With over a decade of consulting experience at renowned firms like PwC and Accenture, she specialised in areas such as strategy, people & change, and led large-scale transformations across Europe.
Vision for Bidvest Noonan
As Chief People & Culture Officer at Bidvest Noonan, Julie will lead the People & Culture team, focusing on developing and executing a people strategy to foster an enhanced workplace environment and improve overall employee experience.
Bidvest Noonan CEO, Declan Doyle said “Julie’s experience and values align perfectly with the needs of our business. She has a proven track record of building successful HR strategies, transforming colleague experiences, and unlocking potential. I am confident that she will be highly successful at Bidvest Noonan and I am delighted that she has joined us”.
Julie said ” I am delighted to join Bidvest Noonan, an ambitious company that is passionate about putting its people first. Bidvest Noonan is serious about investing in its people and culture agenda and creating employee experiences that will enable their growth trajectory. I am looking forward to making a difference for our colleagues and customers.”