Page 32 - Clanmil Together Magazine Summer 2025

Knowing Me Knowing You
Alison Risk has been working as Clanmil’s Customer Service
Centre Manager since the start of 2025.
What I like most about working for
Clanmil is the welcoming, family-like
atmosphere and the genuine passion
everyone has for the business. We are
truly customer-focused, and it’s inspiring
to be part of a team that is committed to
growing and continuously improving our
service centre. Our goal is always to deliver
an excellent customer experience, and we
put the customer at the heart and soul of
everything we do.
Who inspires me ?
At 79, my mum has just had a full knee
replacement. Incredibly, she’s walking
unaided after only four weeks, managing
the pain with nothing more than
paracetamol. Her strength and resilience
never cease to amaze me. We grew up
in a council house in County Tyrone in the
1970s. Life wasn’t easy, and she had to be
tough. That no-nonsense, “just get on with
it” attitude has always stayed with me.
It’s shaped the way I approach life and
challenges. I hope I’ve passed that same
determination and resilience on to
my two children.
In my spare time, I love walking my four-
year-old dog, Freya. She’s a collie spaniel mix
with lots of energy. I’m lucky to live near some
beautiful parks where she can run off the lead
and chase her ball to her heart’s content.
I’m also regularly found mooching around
charity shops. I love hunting for vintage
pieces and doing a bit of upcycling when I
can. I call them my little gems… my kids call
it tat. It’s all a matter of opinion!
My first ever job
When I was 14, I got up every Saturday and
Sunday morning at 7am and cycled two
miles to a hen house to collect eggs. It was
the only way I could afford the latest Duran
Duran single or a new Max Factor Pan Stik.
I hated every minute of it, especially because
the roosters absolutely terrified me! However,
it was worth it to have my own money.
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My favorite holiday destination
is the Greek islands.
I’ve visited Rhodes several times, and next on
my list is Kos. The temperature is fabulous, the
food is fresh and healthy, and the landscape
is absolutely mesmerising. The local people
are always so warm and welcoming. It’s the
perfect place to relax and recharge.
The last book I read was The Housemaid
by Freida McFadden. It’s a mystery and
thriller with a touch of romance. It was an
unputdownable read. McFadden’s writing is
known for its fast pace and twists that keep
you hooked.
My favorite TV show is Coronation Street
– and I’m not ashamed to admit it! I watch
it three times a week or sometimes binge
it on a Sunday. It’s the kind of show I can
completely lose myself in. The storylines
might be ridiculous at times, but that’s part
of the fun. The iconic characters never fail to
entertain me.
I grew up watching it, and it always reminds
me of my Nan and my mum, which makes it
even more special. Some people might think
it’s cheesy, but for me, it’s comfort TV at its best.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received
came many years ago from a manager.
They taught me to focus on what I can
control, rather than stressing over what I
can’t. This advice has served me well, both
in my work and personal life. While I can’t
control what others do, I can control how I
respond to them.
What are you most looking forward to
in your new role at Clanmil?
I’m excited to be part of the new Customer
Service Centre at Clanmil and to be part
of its future growth. I’m proud to lead a
dedicated team in the Customer Service
Centre, who come in each day committed to
delivering the best service to our customers.
I look forward to getting to know my team
better and working alongside them to deliver
an outstanding customer experience.
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