This year marks an amazing achievement for one of our colleagues at Finlay Beverages – we’re celebrating 35 years of Sue Johnson!
Sue’s journey spans the factory floor, customer service, and now, NPD and product trials. We sat down with Sue to reflect on her career, the people who shaped it, and the moments that have stayed with her.
First things first – how does it feel to have reached the 35-year mark at Finlay Beverages?
Sue: I feel proud to have been here for so long – it’s a huge achievement. When I look back, I smile at how much I’ve grown, from the person I was when I first started to the person I am today. It’s been quite a journey!
What do you enjoy most about working at Finlays?
Sue: Definitely the people, they make it feel a bit like a family and everyone is so supportive and down to earth. I’ve been in a few different roles for long periods, and I genuinely enjoy what I do. My job keeps me on my toes, it’s interesting, and there’s always something new to learn. The environment supports me, challenges me, and helps me grow every day.
You’ve had an impressive career journey! Can you walk us through it?
Sue: Of course! I started my journey here as an IMA (Tea Machine) Operator on the factory floor. Later on, I moved into a trainer role. In 2005, I left the factory and started the next chapter of my career in the office.
My first office role was as a Raw Materials Scheduler, bringing materials in and reshuffling them to meet the needs of planning and production. Then I moved into Customer Service, where I stayed for around 14 years.
Just over a year ago, I stepped into my current role as NPD & Product Trial Executive – looking after all NPD and EPD projects, and coordinating all the trials for new products. And I have to say, this is my favourite job yet. I absolutely love being part of the commercial team.
How have your roles shaped your development over the years?
Sue: I’ve grown with every role I’ve taken on. I often started out feeling unsure of myself, worried I might not meet expectations. But each time I stepped out of my comfort zone – with the help and support of a few key people – I proved to myself that I could succeed.
A real turning point for me was joining the commercial team – taking on the NPD role completely reignited my enthusiasm – I feel like I’m learning something new again.
Do you remember your first day at Finlays?
Sue: Oh yes – I laugh every time I think about it.
At my old job, we were made redundant, and Andy Ansell – who’d come to Finlays as Factory Manager – told the ladies I used to work with that we should join him because it would be “just like the old place.” Well… on my first day, I realised very quickly it was nothing like the old place!
My first words were, “Wow… I’ll give it a month and then I’ll look for something else.”
And now here I am, 35 years later!
The business has changed a lot over the years. What stands out the most?
Sue: So many things have changed – most of them good, some more challenging – but Finlays has always stayed up to date, and often ahead, in terms of policies, systems, and improvements. It’s always been a place where you matter.
What has kept you at Finlays for so long?
Sue: Work–life balance has always been important to me, and living just 10 minutes from work has been ideal – first while my daughter was in school and college, and later when she went to university. Now that I help care for my mam, that balance continues to be important.
But honestly, the values mean a lot to me. Especially Succeeding Together. The biggest reason I’ve stayed is the people at Finlays who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Their support has meant everything, and it’s played a huge part in why I’m still here today.
Celebrating 35 years of Sue!
Sue’s 35‑year career is a brilliant example of what dedication, growth, and living our values look like. From the factory floor to the commercial team, she has embraced every challenge, learned at every stage, and made a lasting impact on the people around her.
We’re proud to celebrate her achievement, and even prouder to have her as part of the team at Finlay Beverages.
