When Tom Harris first joined the company back in April 2018, it was a very different landscape. Hewells Limited, now part of what we know as TFR, was a much smaller operation. “I remember being told it was going to stay small,” Tom laughs, “but it’s grown massively since then – and I’ve grown with it.”

Tom’s journey began as a Technician, a hands-on role that he held for around 12 months before stepping into the office to support the then Office Manager with technical guidance. “That transition was a big milestone,” he says. “Going from doing the job to helping manage and support others doing it – it really opened up a new perspective.”

From there, Tom moved into a Team Leader position, leading the Drying and Fire teams for two years. Seeking new challenges, he left TFR to join the Complex team, initially as a Desktop Handler, where he also began his Cert CII apprenticeship. After six months, he progressed to become a Field Complex Handler, and eventually completed his apprenticeship.

In June 2023, after a conversation with Tom Hewitt, Tom returned to First Response as Operations Manager, bringing with him a wealth of cross-departmental knowledge. Most recently, he’s taken on a brand-new role as Continuous Improvement Manager, where he focuses on driving efficiencies, enhancing processes, and ensuring the business continues to evolve and improve.

Reflecting on his journey, Tom highlights key moments of growth: “Going into Complex was a game-changer. It broadened my view beyond the field and gave me a full understanding of how the business operates as a whole.”

But the path hasn’t always been easy. Managing a team through the COVID-19 lockdowns brought unexpected challenges. “It was such a strange time. Trying to lead people remotely, during all that uncertainty, was incredibly tough,” he recalls. Even working from home during his Complex role presented hurdles. But despite it all, Tom persevered and thrived.

Now only 29 years old, Tom’s already achieved an impressive amount. He credits the company’s supportive culture as a major part of his success. “There’s a real family element here,” he says. “Everyone looks out for one another. We’ve expanded a lot, but we’ve kept that close-knit feel. Skills can be taught, but values have to align – and that’s what makes us strong.”

As he prepares to begin a new apprenticeship through Trinity Academy, Tom is still hungry to learn and improve – both for himself and the wider team. His advice to others thinking about a similar career path is clear:

“Stay open to learning – and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s where real growth happens.”

Tom extends his heartfelt thanks to:

· Tom Hewitt, for his unwavering support and guidance over the past seven years, particularly during the transition into Complex

· Des, because, as Tom puts it, “everyone knows we come as a pair.”