Meet the Team - Sandra Prince

Many of you know Sandra as the friendly face greeting you at Lowestoft reception, but there’s way more to Sandra’s role, and her journey, than meets the eye. Sandra has generously shared some fascinating memories from her time with the company, offering a glimpse into her experiences over the years.

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What is your name and job title at North Star? And how long have you been with us for?  

Sandra Prince, Secretary.  Longest serving member of the company.

I have been with the company for over 40 years, and it must say something about the kind of business this is, that so many of us have been here for so long.

During my career I have taken on many roles. I started as a receptionist and then worked various accounting systems, including National Accounting machines which produced the accounts and payroll (this was before computers were introduced!) At the same time carrying out secretarial duties for several Directors. I am currently secretary to Robert Catchpole and previously I worked for his Father, George, where we were constantly busy working together on Tenders for the Company.  Also, for a short time, I worked with Robert’s Grandfather, Freddie – it was a real family run business.

When I joined the Company, it was called ‘Boston Deep Sea Fisheries’, and the crews used to trawl the North Sea for twelve days and come in for two. The Company employed its own Fish Salesmen, who would sell the fish on the Lowestoft Fish Market opposite our building, trying to obtain the best daily prices possible. It was a thriving industry back then. The staff were very lucky to have the ‘perk’ of a fry of fresh fish each week!

After the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 the standby vessel was born, which offered safety and security to offshore rig workers. We also had guard ships for cable laying in the Channel and diving support and survey ships. That industry grew rapidly and now I am witnessing the beginning of a third industry with this Company in Wind Energy.

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What inspired you to become a Secretary?

When I was at school, opportunities for women were limited to clerical, hairdressing, shop work and factory work. There were plenty of factories in Lowestoft including the Pye TV Factory, Birds Eye, Co-Op, Mortons and the Brush Factory.  Sadly, now Birds Eye is the only one left of those in Lowestoft.  As my favourite subject was English, I decided that I would like to become a secretary, so when the position arose with Boston Deep Sea Fisheries it sounded very interesting. I was interviewed and offered this job by Robert’s Uncle, Peter Catchpole, who was Manager at the time, and another at an Estate Agents, but I’m pleased I took this one.

What kind of training/ experience is required to become a secretary?

I trained at the Lowestoft College of Further Education for my secretary skills - typing, shorthand and English, where I achieved Royal Society of Arts qualifications. I think you also need to have good communication skills, especially with your boss. You should be loyal and genuinely interested in the work you carry out, as you will do a far better job when you enjoy your work. It’s a pleasure working with Robert Catchpole, he is kind and dedicated and treats everyone the same. His father was the same before him. I have never dreaded coming to work in the morning and there is always something different to do.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your role? What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

I have all sorts of tasks. Apart from all the ‘behind the scenes’ general office management and organisation, I am the relief receptionist. I produce purchase orders on the Sertica system for stationery, hotel reservations, travel, buffet refreshments, etc. I look after the office cleaning contract, general housekeeping, proof-reading, typing, filing, tender administration, the healthcare scheme and arrange events and functions. Also, the administration of company vehicles and parking arrangements.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to do your role?

Listen and learn.

What is the one aspect of your role that people outside of your team might not fully understand but is crucial to the success of your work?

Good communication skills, sharing information and treating everyone with respect.

Do you have a favourite vessel in our fleet and if so why?

Yes, I do, the Putford Defender, because I am the Godmother and my name ‘Sandra’ means the ‘Defender’ of mankind.   How appropriate is that! It’s a beautiful ship! - I named it, which I am very proud of.  It was a wonderful experience.

Also, back in the day, we used to have many events on the vessels, including Open Days, Ship Launches and the occasional barbecue on the survey vessels, whilst they were in dock in Great Yarmouth.  Once, several of us were lucky to have a trip on the Boston Comet, to deliver personnel to the oil rig ‘Britania’ by an ‘offshore transfer basket’.  One of our managers was also on board and brought his guitar with him to serenade us on the way.  That day the sun shone brightly and the blue sea glistened - it was indeed a most memorable and awesome occasion and one I will never forget.

What excites you the most about the future of our industry and where its heading?

To see how our town of Lowestoft will develop, this could eventually put us on the map. I think it will be good for the next generation to live in a town with a thriving industry once again.

If you could give your younger self (before starting work) one piece of advice about your career, what would it be?

To study hard and try to achieve as many qualifications as you can.  Once achieved, these qualifications can never be taken away from you, and you never know which career path you will be taking in the future.   It is more important to study as much as you can in your younger years, as it is not so easy when you are older.   Looking back, I wish I would have studied more than I did. [Despite working all day and attending college in the evenings – but Sandra is too modest to add this]

What has been your favourite memory or experience whilst working here?

I have been so lucky during my career to experience three industries – Fishing, Oil/Gas and Wind Energy.  I have also met some wonderful people on the way.

And finally, what do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I like to shop and eat at lovely restaurants with friends and family, especially my goddaughter who is 26. We meet regularly for dinner at to swap stories.

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