Malcolm Macdonald
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have always found that it's the people I work with rather than the task
I perform that make the difference and that is certainly the case at
Seasalt. There is an energy and desire to work together to improve that is
quite infectious. It can be very fast-paced but that environment suits me
well.
What attracted you to work at Seasalt?
I had already decided to relocate to Cornwall before working for Seasalt
and I found my role here after being in the area for a couple of years. I
knew of Seasalt and had done my research on all the larger local
businesses to see who may need an CFO and got in touch as soon as I heard
there was an opportunity. I don't know of another business in Cornwall
with the same combination of scale and continued fast-paced growth.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
Customer-first, welcoming, hard-working, proud of how we have got here
but keen to improve further, meritocratic and passionate about what we
do.
I think some people think we must all knock-off at 4pm to go surfing and
although that does sometimes happen (particularly on a Friday) we all work
very hard and are committed to making Seasalt even more successful than it
already is.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working at Seasalt?
Find out more about us. Review the website and read our stories there or
visit our shops and talk to our staff. They are our greatest ambassadors.
We are quite open about how we like to work, so see if that resonates with
you. If it does, it is worth letting us know who you are and how you think
you could contribute, even if you cannot see a current role that fits your
experience. We have a number of smart people who we found roles for
because we could see they had high potential.
How important is it to you that your job is in Cornwall?
Essential. Before relocating to Cornwall I had lived and worked in Asia
for 18 years. In theory we could have moved back to anywhere in the UK but
we wanted home to be Cornwall to help our young children grow up with a
sense of identity and with plenty of fresh air and outdoor pursuits. The
move couldn't have gone better for them or for us.
As Seasalt's Chief Financial Officer, what's your approach to leadership?
I trust the people that work for me and try to empower them to get on with
things and to do their jobs well. Paul, the CEO, treats me the same way.
There is a natural desire here across our teams to make progress and to
develop the business by developing the individuals in each team, so my
role is really to help facilitate that and provide support. We try to
maintain a fairly flat structure and don't like hierarchy or imposing
authority.
Rosalie Brookes
WHOLESALE ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My team is pretty small and close-knit. I really enjoy working with them
all and we've developed a really positive team dynamic as well as with our
sales agents working in the UK and overseas. I'm regularly given
opportunities to work on projects outside of my usual job role, which I
love as it gives me extra diversity.
What first attracted you to work here?
I already knew the brand and ethos after many years of happy family
holidays in Cornwall and Scilly. I finished my degree, which was based at
the Tremough Campus in Penryn and immediately started looking at
employment opportunities with Seasalt, due to their great reputation as an
employer in Cornwall.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
Seasalt employees really embody the brand and the friendly, dreckly
lifestyle. Everyone is so happy, relaxed and proud to represent the
company at every opportunity.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working at Seasalt?
Firstly, do your research on the company's ethos and Cornish culture as a
whole. Seasalt and the people of Cornwall are very proud of their history
and identity.
Secondly, always make an effort to showcase your skills, even those which
might not be completely relevant to the role you apply for. The company
always wants to help in developing careers based on your talents and
interests.
What drew you to Cornwall?
Since I moved to Cornwall in 2016, I've felt like I've integrated really
easily into the lifestyle and culture, especially after getting involved
in the Celtic and folk music and dance groups. I've always lived on the
South coast, so having the sea close isn't new to me but it's difficult to
not be in awe of the rugged beaches. There's no better way to relax after
a stressful day than an evening walk along the clifftops, keeping an eye
out for dolphins and seals.
You've moved between teams at Seasalt. How did that go?
The move was very easy. My previous manager encouraged me to apply for the
role and it was a really quick interview process. I spent a few months
temporarily helping out in my new department last year, so already knew
the team and the job role well and quickly settled into my new position.
Maia Howell
AREA MANAGER
What do you enjoy most about your job?
As an Area Manager, every day is different, which I enjoy. I love
highlighting potential in my store teams and supporting their development.
When that results in internal progression it makes me really proud. We're
also really lucky to have stores in some beautiful locations, which make
the long journeys easier.
What first attracted you to work here?
I've always felt most at home in lifestyle brands, I was attracted to the
amazing story of the Chadwick family on holiday in Penzance all those
years ago. I was also really inspired by the additional work Seasalt does
outside of retail like the Modern Creatives and Leach Pottery
collaborations.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
Seasalt was started by a family and despite having expanded rapidly, we
still have an independent, family feel. You matter as an individual not
just a number and can therefore make a genuinely valuable contribution
to the business.
I'd say we strike a great balance between having a relaxed culture while
being passionate about our business and taking our work seriously.
Compared to other companies I've worked for, Seasalt is truly innovative
and that's really exciting.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working at Seasalt?
I believe it's really important that our teams feel a genuine connection
to the brand; our customer, our heritage and our purpose, to make sure
that shines through. We're in no way corporate in our approach, so you
need to be able to adapt and work in a more relaxed, people-centred
environment. Although I've used the word ‘relaxed' several times we're a
fast-paced business, so don't let that take you by surprise, we work
really hard!
Having been on maternity leave and with a young child, how have you found
the return to work and balancing work and family life?
It was a huge adjustment working full time after 14 months off with my
baby son, I enjoyed my role and being part of Seasalt immediately but
balancing work and family life was more of a challenge than I had
anticipated. I was so lucky that I joined a team where both my Area
Manager colleagues had been on the same journey, having that support was
amazing!
After 8 months in the role, I'm about to start a flexible working pattern
of 4 days per week. I feel very fortunate and grateful to Seasalt for
giving me this opportunity to strike a more effective balance for my
family whilst still being able to shape the career I want for myself.
Rachael Williams
MERCHANDISING ASSISTANT
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Hands down the people I work with. I know it sounds a bit clichéd but the
thing that struck me from my first day is that absolutely everyone is so
friendly! There hasn't been a single day in the 7 months I've worked here
that we haven't had a good laugh about something.
What first attracted you to work here?
I studied Fashion Design at University but wasn't comfortable with the
idea of “fast fashion” and never fancied the London life so finding a
Fashion business that not only had head offices in such a beautiful place
but who have a really strong conscientious ethos seemed like a miracle to
me.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
It's so friendly and collaborative, it's brilliant to work in an
environment where there's such commitment to listening to everyone's
views and everyone is so passionate about what they do.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working at Seasalt?
Go for it. Working with people and a company that cares is so rewarding
and it's exciting being part of a business that is expanding so quickly.
How important is it to you that your job is in Cornwall?
I love it. I feel so lucky that I can leave work and be on the beach 10
minutes later.
As you relocated for your role, what made you take the leap?
I was already very excited about Seasalt as a brand from being a customer
and I spent a lot of time when I was younger sailing around the Cornish
coast. I love it here, so for me it was a very easy decision.
Kimberley Jones
CUSTOMER SERVICES ASSISTANT
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I most enjoy working with everyone here in the Customer Service
department, they're some of the friendliest and kindest people I've ever
met or had the pleasure to work with. Everyone works really hard to help
and support each other. I also like the problem-solving aspect of my job
and trying to help customers with their queries, whether it's over the
phone, on LiveChat or through social media.
What first attracted you to work here?
There are some really great benefits of working here. First off, being
able to live and work in Cornwall but also having access to weekly yoga
and mindfulness classes, which seemed like a great bonus when I was
looking for a job. I think Seasalt also has a great reputation for being a
sustainable and conscious brand, with members of staff who genuinely seem
to enjoy their jobs, which all made me want to work here.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
It's a very creative vibe here at Seasalt and there's always a great
atmosphere in our office.
Everyone just wants to help and support each other with our work and
career goals.
What advice would you give someone interested in working at Seasalt?
So long as you're kind, creative, friendly and approachable and have an
interest in Seasalt as a business, you'd be a great fit.
How important is it to you that your job is in Cornwall?
Lifestyle, outdoor living, desirable location - it's always been important
to me to stay here in Cornwall. My family is from here and that heritage
is something I'm proud of. I love being able to walk my dogs through the
fields around the village or through the woodlands. There's also great
food and art scenes, with new cafes, restaurants and exhibitions opening
all the time, so there's always plenty to do and see. And of course,
having a beach no more than 10 minutes away is just the best!
Amber Willis
HEAD OF BUYING (WOMENSWEAR)
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The fact that every day is different, with new challenges, keeps the job
exciting. I really enjoy problem solving and find buying very fulfilling.
It's a hectic role, which means there's never a dull moment and it
requires a strong team player, as you work across so many functions and
interact daily with suppliers all around the world.
What first attracted you to work here?
As I'm originally from Cornwall I was so excited of the thought of being
given the opportunity to work for such a proud Cornish business, which has
very strong values about people and the environment. I feel very lucky to
have been able to move back to Cornwall and represent such a focused,
evolving business, which is passionate about Cornish culture, art and the
beautiful landscape that surrounds us.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
The culture is very open and friendly. We work very closely as teams to
ensure that we do the best for our customers and have day-to-day contact
with all senior levels within the business, which makes it a great place
to work.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working at Seasalt?
My advice would be that you won't regret it. If you believe in the
business and share the same values then you will succeed with us.
What's it like to work in Cornwall?
I'm originally from Cornwall and fortunate to have friends and family
nearby. However as a newcomer to Seasalt and Falmouth, I found the local
people very friendly and welcoming.
Falmouth is a very special town, with year-round events and a great
selection of boutique shops, coffee houses and eateries. We are also
surrounded by beautiful beaches and coastline, which is perfect for dog
walkers like myself.
It's also the birthplace of the brand and where we draw our inspiration
from. We live and breathe Cornwall in all possible ways.
Jon Henry
PROPERTIES MANAGER
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I am so fortunate that my role is incredibly varied, I can be sat with the
store design team, looking at concepts for new store designs one day, then
working on maintenance plans or visiting one of our shops or offices the
next. I love how one day is never the same as the next.
What first attracted you to work here?
I was first attracted to working at Seasalt as I saw it as an opportunity
to work in a growing and exciting business, in a part of the world that I
love.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
Seasalt is a place where everyone really is friendly and open, however
we have a desire to be successful.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working at Seasalt?
My advice would be to come down and visit, explore, and see for yourself
what Seasalt and Cornwall has to offer.
How important is it to you that your job is in Cornwall?
My job being in Cornwall is now one of the most important things to me. We
try to spend as many evenings in the summer and weekends getting to the
local beaches and making the most of the amazing county we live in. I
regularly visit London to see friends and family however after a great
weekend away, I always look forward to returning to the more relaxed pace
of life here.
Amber Fry
HR ASSISTANT
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I'm surrounded by lovely people in my team who are always so approachable
and helpful, I learn a lot from them. We also work well together as a
team. I love that I am given opportunities to take part in a range of
projects that keep my day to day role diverse.
What attracted you to work at Seasalt?
What attracted me to Seasalt was that it was a local company with a great
history. It is also continuing to grow and expand, so I thought it would
be an excellent opportunity and experience for me and my career. Seasalt
also attracted me through its pride in its Cornish heritage, which
inspires some of the prints on our clothes and bags.
Can you describe the culture?
Everyone at Seasalt is so friendly and this is true across the whole
organisation. It is also a very relaxed environment, which helps to make
you feel more comfortable.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working here?
I would highly encourage anyone to apply for a role at Seasalt, as it is a
great company that's expanding rapidly, which means many opportunities can
open up.
How do you find working in Cornwall?
I have lived in Cornwall all my life, so I work close to where my family
are. It is also in an amazing part of the county, which makes me feel
positive about going to work.
You are just starting out in your career. How has Seasalt supported you?
Working at Seasalt has definitely met and exceeded my expectations. The
people I work with are genuinely interested in my progression and
development and offer me continual support.
Holly Ranson
SHOP MANAGER, FALMOUTH
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Everyday can be different. There is loads of variety and I love the
different people I get to work with and meet.
What first attracted you to work here?
Having worked in fashion before and then relocating to Cornwall, it was
really refreshing to find a brand like Seasalt.
What advice would you give someone interested in working at Seasalt?
I would say that it's an amazing company to work for. Don't be afraid to
get involved and offer your ideas. I have always found managers really
receptive and that's the kind of manager I try to be.
What attracted you to a career in retail?
I've always loved clothes and have had a keen interested in fashion. I
love helping others, giving great customer service and being part of team.
You've worked in a number of shops. What differences or similarities are
there?
One of the great things about Seasalt is how each store I have worked in
has the same Seasalt feel, amazing teams but also it really feels like you
are part of a community.
Can you describe the culture at Seasalt?
Seasalt is a fast-paced, really positive place to work. I've been able to
grow with the company and they really do reward hard work.
