Meet The Team | Tracey Read, Head of New Business
Tell us a bit about yourself…
From the age of 13 I knew I wanted to work in Textiles and now at 52, I am still as passionate about it. Although I no longer sit in my bedroom making my own clothes, being the Head of New Business for Tradelinens gives me that creative buzz I still yearn through client relationship building, to product development and clinching that big tender! A proud Northerner, I never thought I would live ‘down South’, but here I am, 24 years later with my husband, 2 kids and 2 dogs in a very happy community with Tradelinens literally on my doorstep.
How did you break into the linen industry?
A former colleague put me in touch with Robert Lancaster Gaye whom I met and who gave me a wonderful insight in to the world of 5 star hotels and luxury textiles. I was hooked! I started working here 4 years ago as Business Development Manager and have found the journey exciting and totally refreshing. Who wouldn’t enjoy visiting some of the world’s most luxurious hotels?
Tell us about a typical day…
The ‘to-do’ list never seems to diminish from one day to another so there’s always a plethora of work to be done from quoting on new hotel openings to ensuring the existing core clientele have their items when they need them. With factories all over the world it’s key to understand cultural differences and time zones and with the luxury client base we are fortunate to manage, it is critically important to ensure we offer the highest of customer service, expert knowledge and product quality regardless of the size of the enquiry.
What makes a hotel, B&B or luxury retreat special?
In my opinion it’s all about how you are made to feel and the atmosphere the hotel creates. What will I remember about this hotel when I leave?
The bedlinen needs to be white, clean and crisp, the pillows comfortable and without lumps, the duvet light and lofty and the towels big enough to wrap around my head and envelope my body without sandpapering my skin! If I was ever lucky enough to stay in one of the hotels we supply, I know I’d be getting the full bed and bath experience. Here’s wishing!
What’s your favourite project you have worked on so far?
I cannot name one favourite as I have been fortunate to work on some fantastic projects all of which have had their unique quirks and challenges. The most recent projects have been Chateau Denmark, Soho and One Hundred Shoreditch which could not be more different to each other but each demanding the same level of quality and service.
I do however think your ‘first’ is always special, and for me that was Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire, my home county!
What gets you up in the morning?
My dogs jumping on the bed and teenagers arguing about the shower! Every day is different at Tradelinens and with such a wide variety of clients and potential client requirements, it’s fun to get into work, open the laptop and see what surprises are in store.
If you were cast away on a desert island, what would you take?
My friends - I love a party!