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 Tara Grant, Venue Manager at The Terrace, 3 Wellington Place
Tara Grant is employed by Ashdown Phillips and Partners as the Venue Manager for The Terrace – the meeting and events venue in 3 Wellington Place.
Tell us a little bit about what you do…
“I’m employed by Ashdown Phillips and Partners, a property management company, as the Venue Manager of The Terrace. My role is to provide a first-class experience for all of our guests.
“I am responsible for overseeing and coordinating all bookings, marketing the venue and ensuring The Terrace is always well presented and showcased to its full potential.
“Most importantly, I am here to provide a warm welcome to all guests and give them peace of mind that their event is in the safest of hands!”
Tell us something interesting about yourself that others at Wellington Place may not know?
“I studied Fine Art at Leeds Beckett University but never really put it to use (apart from the odd blackboard art at pubs and restaurants I have worked in!)
“At the beginning of lockdown, due to the nature of the business, I was put on furlough. I decided to spend my time helping others through volunteering. I applied through Leeds City Council’s Voluntary Action Leeds Division who assigned me to Catch Food Hub, a charity organisation operating in Harehills. Within its first three weeks of opening at the beginning of the pandemic, over 300 families had registered to the charity as ‘Households in Need’.
“The charity relies solely on the help of volunteers, so for two months I did the weekly shopping for two households and met some incredible people along the way. Through one of these contacts (Sawsan, founder of Damasq), I was able to help the Hamara Centre to deliver food packages to families in need on Eid weekend. Volunteering was such a humbling experience and has been my greatest take away from the whole pandemic.
“I also spent my time in lockdown making cards for my family, whom I couldn’t see, to keep myself occupied and to let them know I was thinking of them. On each card I painted different animals using watercolours. It was the first time I had picked up a paint brush in years – it gave me a sense of purpose!”
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
“In my role, I take great pleasure in all of the little achievements – when an event goes exactly as planned or when a guest takes time to thank me personally for my work.
“It was a huge change for me when joining Ashdown Phillips and Partners as I had worked in restaurants for over a decade. It’s great to receive positive feedback from guests and to see them returning time and time again!”
What is your favourite thing about working at Wellington Place and why?
“I am so pleased to have returned to Wellington Place (I used to manage Sociable Folk.) There is such a sense of community on site, with a huge emphasis on wellbeing in the workplace.
“It is also such a great environment to work in – the buildings are modern and well designed, and the site itself is really well maintained and lovely to walk through each day. I think this is why businesses love to stay at Wellington Place, it amazes me how many people I used to serve at Sociable Folk who are still working on site today!”
Which community events do you take part in at Wellington Place and why?
“I am super lucky to host a lot of the community events right here at The Terrace, and I try to take part in as many as possible.
“I have taken part in Chair Yoga and use the exercises I learned on a daily basis as they are amazing for my back! I have also been to many of the market days, which offer a wide range of local food and crafts; a great way to spend your lunch break.”
What three words sum up Wellington Place to you?
Inclusivity – Wellington Place is such an inclusive workplace, the Pride of Place calendar and events were fantastic, helping to raise awareness and funds for the LGBTQ+ community.
Community – There is a real sense of community at Wellington Place, you are always bumping into people you know or recognise, it is so lovely.
Pioneering – The staff at Wellington Place are fantastic, always coming up with new ideas and methods to improve employee health and wellbeing.
Thanks to Tara for taking part in the interview. The Terrace is open now, click here to make a booking or for more information.
If you would like to tell your story or wish to nominate someone to take part in the People of Wellington Place series please email info@wellingtonplace.co.uk.
