Celebrating 50 Years at Robinson Brothers!

Lots of things have changed from 1970 to 2020: fashion, music, technology and lots more. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is Barbara Smith’s integral role at Robinson Brothers.

Barbara Smith began her career at Robinson Brothers in 1970 in the Customer Services Department, formerly known as the Export Department. Barbara worked as the Export Office Junior and within two years had progressed to Export Office Supervisor.

Structural changes within the company merged the Home Sales and Export Department promoting Barbara to Customer Services Manager where she continues to serve domestic and global markets.

Reflecting on her fifty years at Robinson Brothers, Barbara describes her biggest accomplishment as taking the initiative to improve her knowledge. Training, by taking various courses in a variety of topics and remaining curious has kept her motivated during this time.

Training new members of staff and sharing her vast knowledge, experiences and expertise brings Barbara great satisfaction. This training continues with the expansion of the Customer Services Team.

A quote from Barbara:

‘We are pleased to welcome Mr Peter Richardson to the team where he will develop his skills in Global Deep Sea and Airfreight movements of chemicals.’

Throughout Barbara’s time at the company, she notes the biggest change has been the widespread use of computers and IT. When Barbara started at Robinson Brothers, there were no calculators, computers, photocopies or direct line telephones.

Telex arrived at Robinson Brothers in the 1970s which meant longer messages could be sent externally. Barbara comments that this made communicating with people a lot more efficient.

The significant changes in IT gives Barbara and her team the enjoyment of a more personalised experience of interacting directly with customers globally and locally with various government departments.

This provides a job which is very varied and interesting.

Other changes involve the dynamic nature of the role over time to fit the needs of a changing world.

On providing advice for new recruits, Barbara said:

‘It is important to listen, make notes and try not to run before you can walk. People can learn a lot from their manager and colleagues. Always ask questions and keep asking until you have understood, that way you will learn more quickly and do the job accurately.’

Barbara would like to thank her team within Customer Services and beyond for their continued help and support, especially during this difficult year.

Barbara gave special thanks to Managing Director Adrian Hanrahan for his support.

Congratulations Barbara!

About Us
Robinson Brothers is a leading UK chemical manufacturer of fine chemicals and rubber accelerators. Our team of Chemists are experts in custom synthesis, contract manufacture and process optimisation. This experience has led us to become a reliable supplier to organisations; serving the Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical and Speciality Chemical industries as well as many others.

Robinson Brothers Group acquired Endeavour Speciality Chemicals in 2008.

Robinson Brothers Limited | West Midlands | B70 0AH UK
E: [email protected]
T: +44 (0)121 553 2451

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