Account Manager (Interiors)

Nichola joined Bluestone at the beginning of 2018 and since then has established herself as an invaluable member of our account management team. While she specialises in financing interior fit-out projects for organisations all over the UK, Nichola can also help her clients with other financial solutions including asset finance and cashflow loans.

Nichola is well-known for her attention to detail and professionalism, but it's meeting with clients that is her favourite part of the job.

'I prefer to take a consultative approach with my clients and partners; I really enjoy getting to know the people at the heart of organisations and businesses to understand where they've come from, what they want to achieve and what they want their future to look like.'

The early days

Nichola grew up in Barnsley and from the age of 2 to 18 she spent a lot of her free time in the world of dance, taking lessons in ballet, tap, modern, jazz and singing as well as performing on stage, competing and taking exams.

'Dancing was great fun and really helped me build confidence, but it became more and more competitive the older I got. When I started my A levels I didn’t have the time to commit to it anymore, but I have some great memories.'

‍The world of work  

After graduating from university in Leeds, Nichola moved down to London to start a 12-month management program within an estate agency, but within 6 months, Nichola had already progressed to branch manager for lettings. Although her years in the lettings industry taught Nichola a lot about working with people, eventually she decided to make the move back up north, and luckily for Bluestone, she applied for a position in our team.

Working closely with our Interiors Director as well as managing her own projects, Nichola enjoys the variety that her role brings.

'I get to work with such a variety of organisations looking to improve their interior space or enhance their financial strategy, from warehouses and offices to restaurants, clinics and retail stores, and everything in between!'

Outside of work

Never one to twiddle her thumbs, during the COVID lockdown Nichola and her mother started making and selling wreaths for home decorations: ‘It’s lovely to spend my spare time doing something creative with my mum, I’ve found it’s one of the ways I can unwind from a busy work day. Although, it does make Christmas time pretty manic juggling the demand for wreaths and the Christmas outings!’

When asked for her biggest pet peeve, Nichola's response perfectly sums up her committed and thorough approach to everything she does in both her professional and personal life.

'My biggest pet peeve is people who are unreliable. If you say you're going to do something, follow through and get it done!'

A perfect weekend for Nichola would be spent relaxing in and exploring the Lake District with her two German Shepherds, Ronnie and Reggie, but if she could go anywhere in the world she would really love to visit Tokyo.