Joe: Hi everyone. I hope the wintery weather isn’t affecting you all too much; it’s definitely getting dark and miserable out there. On a brighter note, I’m delighted to announce a change in proceedings as I’m introducing a woman this month, yes I did say a woman; my personal assistant Marion Brown!
Marion: I’ve been Joe’s PA for seven years now, a long time but I still love my job! I’m mainly responsible for accounts and invoices, as well as taking phone calls from suppliers. I basically spend my time working behind the scenes in the office to keep Joe and all the boys organised, which is no mean task.
Except for Joe’s wife; Paula, I’m the only woman who works for the company. Not that is intentional, it just so happens that more men seem to apply for positions here than women. Joe asked me in my interview whether it would bother me being the only woman currently working there if I got the job, but to me it’s just a reflection of my family life; I have three grown-up sons and a husband! At M. Steels we’ve become like a big family too. I’d like to think that the lads behave themselves a bit more in front of me, and curb the boy-talk!
When I was applying for the job, I didn’t initially know it would be a cycle shop, but I now find this addition to my life beneficial. Working at M. Steels has helped me to confront some childhood demons! I never had a bike when I was a child- I always tell my Mam I was deprived as a result! I tried to remedy this years ago by buying a bike, but I found it heavy and uncomfortable, and fell out of love with cycling. The team’s experts fixed this and I became the proud owner of a Trek Hybrid bike, which is so light and comfortable. I now cycle a lot more, albeit in fair weather only, visiting my sister in Gosforth and just pottering about on it. I’m a great advertisement for the importance of having the right bike, so I would recommend anyone out there who has had a similar experience and found their bike not right for them to come and have a bike fitted to them as opposed to the other way round!
I have cycled to work before, but I don’t make a habit of it. My sons, except the youngest, ride to and from work. They got their bikes from M. Steels too; taking advantage of their Mam’s job and the generous discount! I tend to walk to work instead of cycling. I walk 45 minutes, from North Kenton to the shop in South Gosforth, each day. I also walk to the bank, so my job helps me to stay fit too! Working behind the scenes, I don’t have much to do with bikes, but I would assert that cycling is a fantastically healthy addition to anyone’s lifestyle. Bikes, especially in good weather, are a brilliant way to keep in shape.
As I spend most of my time in the back office, I particularly enjoy opportunities to come and meet M. Steels’ customers. We have events where we invite our customers to come and join us for a bite to eat and a few glasses of wine, whilst chatting to staff and browsing around our shop.
Although we’ve held these events since, the last one I recall fondly was the opening of the new shop, and was particularly exciting because Alan Shearer was a guest! I was proud to get a photo with him, which I sent to my grandsons in Scotland, who like to come to Newcastle to support the team, and my niece too. I’m starting to think my family are getting nearly as much out of this job as I do!
Joe: That’s exactly how we want it to be at M. Steels and we are extremely lucky to have Marion working for us. It’s a family business; I have my sons and my wife working by my side, but as a team we’re like a big family too. Marion certainly keeps us all in check and I describe her as my “Work Wife”. We extend that outwards to our customers and welcome anyone who wants to visit, whether they want to get fit like Marion, or need advice on their next cycling venture.
Remember, we welcome everyone in our store, amateur and professional cyclists, and new and established fitness enthusiasts, and are always here if you need someone to talk to about your bike or cycling activities. Visit the shop at 6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, NE3 1RX, or give us a call on (0191) 2851251.
Until next time, happy riding! Joe Waugh.