In this edition of our ‘meet the team’ series, we caught up with Gill to learn more about her role at IndiCater, her passion for ‘her’ clients, and the advice from her dad that’s guided her throughout her career. With over eight years at IndiCater and a background in client relationship management, Gill brings a wealth of experience – along with a whole lot of heart and a few holiday snaps!
Can you tell us more about your role at IndiCater?
I’m a Client Account Manager at IndiCater, responsible for nurturing and maintaining our client relationships.
I joined IndiCater in February 2017, so I’ve now been part of the team for over eight years. Previously, I spent 26 years at a large corporate organisation, working as a Senior Commercial Relationship Manager. There, I managed a diverse portfolio of clients. After choosing to take voluntary redundancy, I took some time to reflect on my next step.
What stood out from my previous role was how much I enjoyed the client relationship side of the job – with over 15 years’ experience, it was a natural fit to continue in a client-facing role. And that’s what led me to IndiCater.
I often refer to our clients as ‘my’ clients – and if they’re happy, I’m happy.
I really enjoy visiting clients in person and seeing their operations first-hand. It gives me a greater understanding of their business, which means I can ask the right questions, offer relevant advice, and help them get the most out of IndiCater. Ultimately, that support helps them save time, reduce costs, and work more efficiently.
What’s your connection to the hospitality industry?
I’ve always loved everything about hospitality – especially the food… and maybe the odd drink or two!
The closest I’ve come to working in hospitality was serving drinks 36,000 feet in the air – in the bar on Emirates Business Class during our flight home from the Maldives!
I really admire how the hospitality industry has evolved over the years. Twenty or thirty years ago, pavement cafés and outdoor seating were rare or almost unheard of. Now, if there’s any outdoor space available, bars and restaurants are quick to make use of it – and rightly so. It creates a sense of community and brings people together in a really special way.
What do you love most about IndiCater?
When friends or family ask what it’s like working at IndiCater, I always describe it as being part of a close-knit family. We genuinely support one another, there’s a real team spirit, and we all pull together to get things done.
One of the things I really value here is how much appreciation is shown. A simple “thank you” or “well done” goes a long way, and at IndiCater, those words are said often. It’s a big contrast to the large corporate environment I came from, and it makes a real difference day to day.
I also love my role. Helping my clients achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. Sitting down with them face to face is the part I enjoy most – it gives me the chance to really understand the ins and outs of their business and the challenges they face. That way, I can show them how our product – and my support – can make a meaningful difference.
What do you think the future holds for IndiCater, and how do you see yourself contributing?
I’m excited about what the future holds for IndiCater. It’s been amazing to see how far the product has come already, and with our brilliant development team working tirelessly behind the scenes, the possibilities really do feel endless – the platform is our oyster!
As for me, I’ll continue doing what I love… supporting my clients and helping their businesses be the best they can be. I’m proud to play a part in their success, and I look forward to contributing to IndiCater’s growth by ensuring our clients continue to experience the value in what we do.
And when you’re not working at IndiCater, how do you spend your time?
This question made me laugh – I’m known as Judith Chalmers at work (and outside of work!), though I’m still not entirely sure why…
I’m originally from the Northwest – Liverpool – and still have my dad, my favourite aunt (who’s only nine years older than me!), and lots of family up there. I love going “home” whenever I can, and funnily enough, we now have several clients based in that part of the country too.
Whenever I take time off, you’ll usually find me out of the country. My husband and I love to travel, explore new places, and spend quality time together. This month marks 32 years since we met, and next month we’ll be celebrating 29 years of marriage. We met on holiday in Portugal back in 1993 – people said it wouldn’t last, but here we are! Steve’s originally from Berkshire, so I moved “down South” to be with him.
And of course, I can’t forget Tiger – my little feline companion. He’s 19 now and completely blind, but I absolutely adore him… apart from when he wakes me up at 5:30am on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I’m trying to enjoy a lie-in!
(Sadly, between writing and publication, Tiger is no longer with us and is deeply missed by Gill and her family.)
What’s your fav dish to cook or eat (or BOTH!)
I really enjoy cooking when I have the time, and my speciality is my Christmas cake. It’s based on my mum’s recipe from years ago and holds a very special place in my heart. I have such fond memories of watching her make it when I was little.
Every year, without fail, friends and family ask, “Have you made your Christmas cake yet?” And when I do, I always look at a photo of my mum and say, “I hope I’ve done you proud with this one.” There’s just one little catch… it comes with a “don’t eat and drive” warning… there may be a splash of brandy involved!
I also love going out for dinner with my husband and friends. I’m torn between Thai and Italian – I honestly can’t pick a favourite. And of course, where there’s good food, there’s good wine, a bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc or a Villa Maria Blush is usually close by, whether we’re dining in or out.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and why does it stand out to you?
My dad always used to say, “Be honest and just be yourself. Don’t try to be like anyone else – you are who you are, and that’s what makes you unique.”
That simple bit of advice has always stayed with me, throughout every stage of life – from school days to work, and especially when it comes to building friendships.
It’s stood me in good stead over the years. I’ve got a close group of school friends I’ve known for over 42 years. Even though we now live 210 miles apart, whenever we catch up, it’s like no time has passed at all, we just pick up where we left off.
Honesty really is something I live by, both in and out of work. It’s such a simple value, but it makes all the difference.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in hospitality?
Coming from a non-hospitality background myself, I can honestly say I haven’t looked back – it’s such a fascinating and rewarding industry.
One of the things I love most is the variety of people I get to meet in my role. One day I might be chatting with a Head Chef, the next it could be a Finance Director. I work with everyone from school contract caterers to pub, bar, and restaurant groups – it’s incredibly diverse.
No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes it so interesting. If you’re considering a career in hospitality, I’d say go for it! You’ll never look back!
Whether she’s helping clients get the most out of IndiCater or swapping travel stories with the team, Gill’s passion and positivity are felt by everyone around her. We’re lucky to have her – and so are our (her) clients.
