Emma Hockley: “It has been something of a baptism of fire”

Q: How did your career path lead to Big Bear Plastics?

I work for Big Bear Plastic Products Ltd, a manufacturing business specialising in the design, development and production of technical thermoplastic components using vacuum-forming and compression forming technology. I was recently promoted to Managing Director, following 6 years working in various roles across the business, but most recently as Sales Director. Big Bear was founded by my father, Gerald Bloom, and so with my appointment as MD we are able to establish a strong succession plan and map a long-term future for our business.

It has been something of a baptism of fire, since my previous roles could not have been more different. I have A levels in French, Spanish and English Literature, and a BA Honours degree in English Lit and Spanish from the University of Leeds. I landed a work experience job with the PR department at Harrods – and then worked my way up to eventually become Buyer for Perfumery & Cosmetics, which was the largest buying division in the store with a turnover of c.£58m, and then Head of Marketing for the whole of the Beauty division.

Whilst at first glance selling lipsticks and selling plastics are worlds apart, Harrods actually gave me a very good training in many of the skills I need, and use, to run Big Bear. Ultimately, business is about keeping your customers happy, and if there is one thing Harrods does well, it is customer service! Harrods was high pressured, fast paced, and expectations were high – it was a very slick operation. There were a lot more women in senior roles and I had the privilege of working for two female bosses who were very tough, but totally inspiring and who definitely pushed me and educated me on so many levels.

Q: What sort of year has 2020 been - for you and Big Bear Plastics?

I became MD just as the pandemic started – talk about being thrown in at the deep end! Actually though, so much of what happened was unprecedented, so the whole team had to work through it together, negotiating this previously unchartered territory, and it was a great bonding exercise for my colleagues and I. Although several of our customers shutdown in the first lockdown, we kept the factory operational throughout to support other customers who needed us to maintain supply, and we were also very busy manufacturing specialised products for the NHS. We were operating with a reduced team both in the factory and the offices, so it was an extremely busy time – I was not watching Netflix or making banana bread that’s for sure! By the end of the summer our regular customers were back and we finished the year with a positive result overall.

Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Looking ahead to the next question I would say these go hand in hand…it’s funny how your biggest challenge can turn out to be your biggest accomplishment, and this is certainly how I feel about learning a new business and facing the rollercoaster that is manufacturing head on. Indeed, I think the bigger the challenge, the greater the sense of accomplishment. Stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to tackle things you are not used to dealing with, and following through on something you believe to be the right thing to do, even if it’s not easy or doesn’t come naturally to you, will give a good sense of achievement, and this is something I have done a lot over the past few months.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far?

Moving from a senior position with a large, high profile company like Harrods, where I felt completely sure of myself and what I was doing, to starting from scratch in a manufacturing business has certainly been a challenge. It has taken time to build my confidence up again and to establish my own style and way of working.  Questioning the status quo, and not being brushed away or fobbed off with a “because that's how it is” style of answer...has taken a lot of persistence and determination.

Q: Have you noticed a gender divide in the plastics industry?

Yes absolutely – perhaps made even more noticeable to me having come from a very female-dominated industry. I have been to a lot of manufacturing industry networking events where I’ve walked into a sea of dark suits which can be a bit intimidating.  Having said that, I have met some very impressive women in this industry whom I admire immensely. I think initiatives such as Women in Plastics is a great way to connect and support each other.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given?

I am lucky to have a lot of people to call upon for advice, which I do often…but my father has always been the person whose opinion I value most. Over the years he has given me a lot of memorable directives, which whilst true, also always make me smile. Such edicts as “The quality of the result is equal to the quality of the instruction” will always be front of mind. Not to mention, simply “make it happen”.

Q: What are your hopes for 2021? Do you have any upcoming projects?

There are certainly more challenges to contend with, not least as we are seeing longer lead times and higher material prices all around us. Despite this, I believe 2021 holds a lot of opportunity for our business.  I am developing a new business plan to take us forward with a strong growth strategy, and we have some great projects underway. Big Bear is doing a lot of development work with lightweight thermoplastic materials for interior trim components such as headliners and door trim panels, ideal for lightweight transport solutions. We have also invested in a new production line to manufacture moulded acrylic components which we are very excited about.