"The company encourages growth" - Interview with Simon Hughes

At Kaboodle we pride ourself in having team members with fantastic industry knowledge. And one great way we ensure that everyone from installer to office staff know the industry inside out, is to promote and nurture careers from within.

We spoke to our Systems, Quality & Compliance Manager Simon Hughes about his career journey with Kaboodle, from joining as a Trainee Installer nine years ago this month, to his current position in our Business Support Team.

What was your first job at Kaboodle?

My first role at Kaboodle was right at the bottom - going out as the third man or two-man teams. I spent most of my time unwrapping appliances, clearing away packaging, and helping the lead fitter however I could. I came into Kaboodle with very little hands-on experience. My background was mostly office-based, with my previous job being ten years in the motor engineering industry. So, switching to early starts and physical work - getting up at 4:30am in the morning - was a real shock to the system! But it was also a great way to learn the ropes from the ground up.

What helped you learn the most when you first started?

For me, the best way to learn was to just get stuck in. I made a point of helping the lead fitters however I could, always watching closely and asking questions. In my spare moments, I’d read through installation manuals and push myself to have a go at fitting things myself. I’ve always found I learn best by doing - so I’d take what I’d seen, give it a try, and figure out the easiest, most efficient way to get the job done. Back then, we had a smaller team and some brilliant fitters who really showed me the ropes. It’s been great to grow alongside them, especially as many of us have moved into different roles and progressed with the company together.

How has your role evolved since you first started?

I've been with Kaboodle for nine years now, and it's definitely been a journey! I started out as a helper, moved up to trainee, and then became a gas lead fitter within just a few years. From there, I stepped into a trainee auditing manager role before becoming the quality and fleet manager. Each step has given me a deeper understanding of the business as a whole. Now, I'm part of the Business Support Team, where I get to help the company grow and support all areas of the operation. It’s a great place to be - no two days are the same, and the variety keeps things exciting.

How did Kaboodle facilitate your learning and development?

Kaboodle has always been supportive of my development - from giving me the chance to learn on the job to providing opportunities to step into new roles as I progressed. I was trusted to take on responsibility early on, but also had great mentors around me who were happy to share their knowledge and give honest feedback. The company encourages growth, whether it's through hands-on experience, internal training, or just being given the space to try, make mistakes, and improve. That trust and support has been a big part of how I’ve grown over the years.

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was coming into a physical, hands-on role with very little practical experience. The early mornings, the fast pace, and learning everything from scratch was a big shift from my previous office-based work. But I threw myself into it, asked questions, learned from the team, and gradually found my feet.

A standout challenge was studying for my gas qualification while juggling work and life at home with a newborn. Balancing early starts, family life, and late-night revision was incredibly tough at times. But I was determined to push through and progress, I got there. Looking back, those challenges really helped shape the person and professional I am today.

What’s something you’re proud of learning?

One thing I’m really proud of learning is how to become a confident and competent gas fitter - from having no hands-on experience at all to becoming a lead fitter qualified in gas. It wasn’t easy, especially balancing the demands of work, study, and family life, but it taught me a lot about resilience, focus, and taking pride in doing things the right way.

More recently, I’ve also learned how to approach things from a wider business perspective - looking beyond just the install and understanding how quality, process, and support all tie together to help the company grow. It’s been rewarding to step into that bigger-picture role.

On top of that, taking on apprentices for the first time this year has been a proud moment. Watching them grow in skill and confidence since they joined has been incredibly rewarding - and it’s great to now be in a position where I can support others the way I was supported early on.

How do you handle a task you’ve never done before?

When I’m faced with something new, I like to break it down and approach it step by step. First, I’ll do a bit of research - whether that’s reading up on it, checking manuals, or speaking to someone with experience. I’m not afraid to ask questions, because I’d rather learn the right way than guess and get it wrong.

I’ll usually give it a go myself once I’ve got a basic understanding, then review how it went and look at ways I can improve next time. I’ve always believed that getting hands-on and learning through doing is one of the best ways to build confidence and get it right.

What advice would you give someone new to the job?

Don’t be afraid to get stuck in - everyone starts somewhere, and the best way to learn is by doing. Ask questions, watch the experienced fitters, and take every opportunity to learn from them. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.

Also, stay organised, take pride in your work, and be reliable - those things go a long way. And finally, enjoy the journey! The job can be tough at times, but if you put in the effort, there’s loads of opportunity to grow and progress at Kaboodle.