What are your greatest challenges on a day-to-day basis?

Ensuring that everything in the store is perfect for our customers. We want them to have the best possible shopping experience that they can. We have to ensure our availability is excellent and also have as many checkouts open as we can so customers don't have to queue for a long time. It's also important to make sure the shopping experience is enjoyable for them as well as our staff.

What makes the store so successful?

Our happy working environment. We look after our staff and give them good training. We make sure they are aware of all the tasks and responsibilities within their role and we share ideas regarding training. For us teamwork is the key to a successful store.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy socialising and meeting new people. I also like to read and do craft work.

What is the best thing about being a duty manager?

The best thing for me is that you get to speak to staff and new people every day. I have been a duty manager for 15 years and it's my responsibility to make sure everything is good and in place for customers so that they get the best possible shopping experience. We need to know that shoppers come into the store, get what they want and don't have to queue. It's a big responsibility but when the day is over I feel like I have achieved something.

What is the most important aspect to customers?

When they come into the store, staff are happy and smile. And when they speak to staff they are knowledgable. Customers don't like to wait so good customer service is important as are low queuing times.

What plans do you have for your store in 2007?

Hopefully we are having an extension to fit in more non-food. At the moment we are waiting on the council to decide whether we have planning permission, so there's no definite answer yet.