Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a thriving community powered by people. This series of interviews aims to highlight some of the people of Wellington Place, share their inspirational stories and find out why Wellington Place is much more than just a place to work…
Interview with David Slater, Group Financial Controller at Mackenzie Stuart
Global recruitment firm Mackenzie Stuart is one of the latest additions to the Wellington Place community.
We meet group financial controller David Slater who explains what’s so great about working at Wellington Place, his charity fundraising goals, and why he spent years dressing up as a chicken.
What is your favourite part of your job?
“I’ve got a really supportive and engaged team at Mackenzie Stuart, without whom it would be impossible to do my job well. Beyond that, we’ve recently moved into our new office in 6 Wellington Place and it’s absolutely fantastic. Not only do we now have loads of great facilities for flexible working, we also have pool tables, a yoga space and even a golf simulator!
“Part of the reason for moving here was the opportunity that Wellington Place offered to create a dynamic and engaging workspace. We feel very lucky with the facilities that we’ve been able to provide the team, and they all seem to be loving the new space as well.”
Aside from your office, what’s your favourite thing so far about being based here?
“There’s a great social culture here, and I’m excited to see that develop even more as we enter into the warmer months. Our staff tend to be a younger demographic, so we love being based somewhere with a really strong food and drink offer, as well as having plenty of other after-work activities such as Yoga and Zumba. The culture here is very dynamic and outgoing, which is a perfect fit for us as a business.
“On top of this, because they’re a little younger, our employees also tend to be very environmentally conscious, so being able to offer them an office with great sustainability credentials was also a big draw.”
You’re currently completing an exciting challenge. Tell us more.
“In 2001, I set myself the challenge of running 10k a day for 10 weeks. It was a really rewarding experience, and ever since Covid I’d been toying with the idea of doing something bigger.
“I’m currently running 10k a day for the whole year to fundraise £10,000 for two charities, Candlelighters and Papyrus UK. Both charities are very close to my heart. I ran the Great North Run on behalf of a colleague’s daughter who had passed from childhood cancer and received support from Candlelighters. When I was younger, a good friend of mine unfortunately took his own life, and Papyrus works to prevent young suicide.”
Tell us something about yourself that most people might not know?
“This might sound a little odd, but for quite a few years I used to dress up as a giant chicken on a regular basis!
“I used to coach junior football and as part of this had gone along to an event hosted by Bradford City FC to teach some of the local kids. I got cajoled into putting the mascot’s costume on, which was a giant chicken, and found that I actually really enjoyed it.
“It all spiralled a bit from there, I even ended up going on the One Show wearing it. However, the cherry on the cake was being invited to turn on my hometown’s Christmas lights – I felt like a celebrity!”
What three words sum up Wellington Place to you, and why?
“Vibrant – From street food to craft markets, there’s always something different going on to get involved with.
“Family – It’s a close-knit community here, and everyone’s really friendly and warm.
“Inclusive – We immediately felt welcomed into the fold and found it was easy to get to know our neighbours and settle in, that’s what it’s all about!”
You can donate to David’s fundraising page here.
If you would like to share your story and be featured in our next People of Wellington Place blog, then please email info@wellingtonplace.co.uk
