Q and A with Norma Brown from J&L Supplies NW Ltd

What does your business do?

J&L Supplies NW Ltd is a local business that supplies cleaning, janitorial, valeting and hygiene products to customers across the northwest. Our vans are kitted out like shops so our customers can browse the range of products we carry or do a pre-order.

We’re always happy to speak to people who are interested in becoming customers so please feel free to contact us on 0151 546 9534.

Are your products eco-friendly and biodegradable?

Yes. J&L always strive to be eco-friendly in everything we do.

What was your favourite subject in school?

My favourite subject was English Literature, and I still love to escape into a good gritty crime novel. The more gruesome the better. The only trouble is that I read in bed and then wonder why I can’t get to sleep!

What motivates you?

Everybody needs motivation, and I feel that the satisfaction of a getting a job done well spurs me on to get a good result. Being surrounded by a happy family and friends also brings a feeling of contentment.

Can you describe/outline your typical day?

Up at 6.30 am and then into work by 8.15 am, after a battle on the M57.

First job is to open the office, check bank activity, process payments and invoices, emails and, of course, the orders that we receive. There’s always lots of interaction with fellow staff – we all get on well which is so important. I finish at 2pm, so that I can pick up my grandsons from school at 3.15 pm. Thereafter I am “on duty”, which includes feeding and entertaining them until 6pm when they go home. Then it’s my time to relax. I’m usually too tired to get up to anything else on my workdays but I certainly know how to socialise at the weekends and on the days that I am not in work at J&L Supplies.

What was the best training you have ever done?

Before joining J&L Supplies, I spent many years of my working life in the Civil Service. There always seemed training courses that you could attend, and these were held all over the country. I found the management training programme particularly interesting; I got to meet Government Ministers and some “movers and shakers” in London. The training definitely gave me a greater understanding of the work that goes on at top levels.

What do you do in your own time when you’re not working?

I love to meet up with friends and family.

At 7.30 am on Saturdays I meet up with old work colleagues at Pickerings Pasture near Widnes. We all have a love of walking and catching up (the nattering and conversation go on non-stop for an hour and a half). This really does set me up for a great weekend. Of course, my husband and I still love to get out to the pubs at the weekend, sometimes with friends and or family. Sometimes just the two of us. It’s like an unwritten rule – we must support our local pubs😊

What are your goals for the next two years?

I am dead set on retiring in October 2025, this is when my boss (who is also my brother-in-law) reaches retirement age. I made a promise that I would stay until he retires. By then I will be 69, and I think that’s enough for anyone! So my aim now is to ensure that my co-worker, Kellie, is trained and able to take over from me when I retire.

Sector Focus - MP Fabrications

MP Fabrications has truly been a remarkable presence in the local community for the past two decades. As a family-owned and operated business, they have been quietly serving the needs of the community and establishing a strong reputation as a reliable and capable service provider.

No matter the task at hand, MP Fabrications has consistently proven their expertise and dedication. Their team of skilled professionals possesses an unparalleled level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that they can successfully tackle any job that comes their way.

MP Fabrications specialises primarily in structural and steel work for staircases. Their expertise ranges from constructing functional fire escapes to designing and building exquisite staircases for luxurious houses. With experience working on high-profile projects for esteemed individuals.

"We are a bespoke service, every order is made to measure - you might never see our work but it's there in the walls, the ceiling, even under the carpet on the stairs."

MP Fabrications is a remarkable company that excels in various areas of craftsmanship. With their extensive skillset, they are well-equipped to tackle a diverse range of projects. From manufacturing stainless steel with exceptional precision to crafting intricate structural decorations for prominent establishments like Banana Republic and Superdry, MP Fabrications displays unmatched versatility and expertise.

Moreover, they go beyond traditional projects and engage in supporting ventures that make a positive impact on society. For instance, the company lends their expertise to The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project in collaboration with the University of Liverpool. They play a crucial role in supporting the project by ensuring the stability and functionality of the umbrellas. With their unwavering commitment and competence, MP Fabrications consistently delivers outstanding results for their clients and actively contributes to worthy causes.

With their commitment to excellence and their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, it is no wonder that MP Fabrications has become a hidden gem within the local community. Their loyal customer base, built through word-of-mouth referrals and glowing testimonials, speaks volumes about the quality of their workmanship and the level of trust they have earned.