After the success of the 2021/22 Rising Stars programme, Sovini Trade Supplies are once again delivering the programme aimed at developing the skills of several of its employees, helping them progress both professionally and personally.

From bad dad dancing, to motorbike lessons and a love of basketball, we caught up with the new intake of Rising Stars to find out a bit more about them!

Martin Bigelow

Job title
I’m a Warehouse Assistant at Ellesmere Port.
How long have you been at Sovini Trade Supplies for?
A year and 2 months.
What are you hoping to get out of the rising stars programme?
I’m looking to enhance my skills and learn more about the company.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I’d like to be within a more senior role within the company.

What book, movie or TV have you read or seen recently you would recommend and why?
Prison Break. It’s so intense and pulls you in every single episode.
What is one piece of advice you live by?
Always treat others the way you want to be treated.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Alberta, Canada. I’ve been there before and would love to return. The landscape is incredible, with The Rocky Mountains and stunning lakes.
Tell us something about we don’t know about you.
I’m a massive LA Lakers fan. It’s always been a dream of mine to go over and watch a game in person.

Graeme Holloway

Job title
Warehouse Assistant, Heysham Road.
How long have you been at Sovini?
Just under two years. I feel really lucky to be here. The team is great and the flexibility is amazing for me and my family.
What are you hoping to get out of the rising stars programme?
Hopefully managing my own team. We’ve got a great team downstairs which I love being a part of, but I’d like to progress and see where it takes me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Progressing through the company.

What would the title of your autobiography be?
The Big G!
What book, movie or TV have you read or seen recently you would recommend and why?
Gone in 60 seconds with Nicholas Cage. I’m obsessed with cars and would recommend it to any other motorheads that haven’t yet seen it.
What’s one piece of advice you live by?
Always tell the truth.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Memphis. I love Elvis. I’d love to visit Graceland.
Tell me something we don’t know about you.
I’ve just passed my level 1 football coaching badge and am on to my level 2. I’ve coached my son’s team from the age of 6 and next season we’re going up to 11-a-side.

Emily Woods

Job title
Warehouse Assistant, Heysham Road.
How long have you been at Sovini Trade Supplies for?
A year and 8 months. I worked as an apprentice before being employed full time.
What are you hoping to get out of the rising stars programme?
Hopefully, the tools to enable me to move to a senior role. I’d like to continue to move up the Sovini ladder.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Ultimately I’d like to be in the Sales team.

What would the title of your autobiography be?
It’s Always Gin O’clock!
What book, movie or TV have you read or seen recently you would recommend and why?
Below deck – for the drama!
What’s one piece of advice you live by?
Always stay positive.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Australia. My cousin moved over there and never came back. He says it’s the best thing he’s ever done. I’d love to travel when I’m older.

Peter Devine

Job title
Warehouse Assistant, Heysham Road.
How long have you been at Sovini Trade Supplies for?
7 months.
What are you hoping to get out of the rising stars programme?
Career development within the Group.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I’m hoping to be in a more senior role within STS.

What book, movie or TV have you read or seen recently you would recommend and why?
Cuckoo with Greg Davies – very funny.
What’s one piece of advice you live by?
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Mallorca. I love it.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’m starting motorbike lessons in the next couple of weeks.

Paul Jones

Job title
Sales Support, based in Speke.
How long have you been at Sovini?
8 months.
What are you hoping to get out of the rising stars programme?
To improve skills from a management perspective, so eventually I can run my own sales office.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Running a sales team, watching STS grow and overtaking some of our competitors!

Do you have a party trick and if so what is it?
Bad dad dancing.
What book, movie or TV have you read or seen recently you would recommend and why?
I’ve just absolutely flown through Stranger Things and it’s the best show I’ve ever seen.
What’s one piece of advice you live by?
Every cloud has a silver lining.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
The highlands, Scotland. We go once a year – a great holiday with an even better landscape.