- What is your name and what is the name of your business?
My name is Louise Lambourne, and the name of the business is Permiserv Ltd.
- What does the business do and who are your customers?
We manage piece of software that runs a system for garden waste permits through UK Councils. We work directly with Local Councils throughout the UK and offer our service to them if they charge for removing garden waste. So, for example, if you are a resident and you sign up to the garden waste service, the council will issue you with a letter and a permit etc. We handle all this administration and then manage the ongoing service.
- What’s the history of the business & what’s your role within the business?
Historically Permiserv was a print company and we created labels and stickers. We started doing more ‘outdoor’ stickers and Councils became interested in that. As time went on it became more of a commodity product, so margins were very low and very tight, making it difficult to turn a profit. At this point John, our Managing Director, developed the software for running the garden waste permits and providing the permit itself. He initially did this for a single council, but then the interest grew!
I was brought in to begin with as a part-time sales executive to help launch the product nationally, and it was very successful very quickly. Consequently, before I knew it, I became a full-time member of staff, and now I am Sales Director. It has been eight years since the business diversified, and it’s going strong! It is a very niche service as there are only 396 councils in the UK and that is our only customer database, but it means we learn our trade well, and make sure we are very good and what we do!
- How long have you had an office here at Freshmill and why were you looking for a space like this?
We have been coming to Freshmill to use the coworking space since June 2022. We originally had a little office in Burgess Hill which had space for just three people, but then Covid hit, so we all worked from home.
As we came out the other side of Covid, the business had grown and so had the team! I needed somewhere where we could meet up for a day or two a week to collaborate and when we came across Freshmill, it seemed like a really good fit.
- Why does Freshmill work well for you and your business?
Freshmill works well for us because it is a big, flexible space. Other places that I looked at were more geared towards, how do I put it, ‘quieter’ businesses! – designers, architects etc. and everyone was on the same floor, or in the same room. When we get together, we can be quite vocal and we want to collaborate. It is all about the team interaction, the camaraderie is important to us. Freshmill allows us to do this. We have our Sales meetings all together, and then some members of the team can break away for discussions should they wish. There are so many areas we can make use of, there is always somewhere we can go – the copper pods, the sofa areas, or have a coffee in the kitchen. It is a beautiful space and a great place to work.
- What is the most important lesson you have gained from your career so far?
Make friends with everyone because, especially in this industry, everyone talks. A lot of our business has come from working a room at an event about, perhaps, someone in the same industry selling a product. It’s all about making contacts and communication across all levels. You have to stay present in people’s minds which means working hard at being current, whether that means the podcast we do, our constant online presence or making sure we attend all of the industry events.
- Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
I adore my job and I adore the company. In 5 years’ time I would like to have all UK councils working with us running a really good garden waste service.
- What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
I would say, have a bit more faith in your gut feeling, it’s usually right! Don’t let others be instrumental in your decision-making process – trust your own judgement a little bit more. When you are young it is difficult to remember this sometimes.
I have always worked in male-dominated industries, and it is no secret that women struggle to get the same recognition, salary and career path as men – I have to say that isn’t the case at Permiserv but was in companies I have previously worked for. I would love to say to my younger self, ‘It’s going to be alright. You can do this, you can be just as successful as everyone else, you just have to fight for it’!
- What is your favourite quote/mantra?
‘You are always where you are meant to be’. It really helps me to chill out when I’m stuck behind a learner driver! You just have to have faith that the universe has got the right plan for you!
- If you could, who would you switch places with for the day, and why?
Shirley Ballas – or Tess Daley! I would like to be part of the Strictly team for the day, to be in their world – that would be awesome!
