Meet the Member

Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for the latest Talk Business Magazine and in this interview, we want to get to know the member better to share with our readership.

What is your name?

Hana Smiddy

What do you do for a living?

I’m Assistant to Michael Plomer-Roberts MD of Mike Roberts Property and Take Flight Aviation Ltd.

What is the name of your company or the company you work for?

I work for both Mike Roberts Property where we own and manage a portfolio of 10-character commercial properties inclusive of 6 multi tenanted, fully serviced, business centres in Warwickshire and Take Flight Aviation where we offer aircraft hire and flight training up to PPL (Private Pilots Licence)

Where are you based?

Warwickshire and Oxfordshire

How would you describe your job?

As Assistant to an incredibly busy and creative MD like Mike I would describe my job as a heady mix of the mundane and the inspired! Along with generally running the businesses; monthly invoices, purchase ledger, service charge management, leases, viewings, renewals, maintenance, general sales, marketing and tea making I organise insightful events for the members of Take Flight Aviation.

I’m also mentor for our Apprentices and feel very passionate about offering educational days and work experience to schools, colleges and organisations like the Scouts and Guides. We also offer charities a thrilling way to raise awareness and funds by completing the Loop the Loop Challenge!

Something really exciting I’m are working on is ‘Cockpit Conversations’, a new series on our You Tube channel, where we take people off the air into the air and have a chat while flying over their home town.

Lockdown restrictions has slowed us down a little but now flying is back from April 12th we’re raring to go. We have some amazing guests lined up! Check out previous episodes here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAMqWFpKOhKRaCsj U8YKZz0lr9Y2jXU2M

How long have you been doing what you do?

7 years

Do you have a typical client profile and what is it?

Mike Roberts Property would be ideal for the business owner looking to move out of their home office and into a more professional space with character. A business owner who has a larger HQ office but looking for a regional office where they can offer less of a commute and social distanced working but still within a town that caters for their staff, on the high street, with all the amenities. Finally, larger businesses looking to downsize, which is more common as a result of the pandemic.

Take Flight Aviation is looking for the aviation enthusiast; the current pilot looking for the best hire rates and terms out there. We have no restrictions hire, if you need a plane for the whole day, the weekend or even a week, Take Flight are for you. We are also looking for the future pilot seeking to gain their pilots licence and be surrounded by inspirational people. Any organisations looking to host a unique event or offer sales incentives can find assistance at Take Flight, and finally, people wanting to buy that special gift, a gift of flight!

What do you enjoy about what you do?

I love the people. I feel inspired by people and their passions. I get that with both the property tenants, when they’re excited about their businesses and their teams’ successes, and the members at Take Flight Aviation. There is something very special about being on the ground when a student

What do you do outside of work to relax and unwind?

I hang out with my son and husband. We love walking our dog Lando (our crazy Springer Spaniel) and Hayden and I love roller blading in the park. I’m also learning how to play Fortnite so I can team with my son - I was a fan of Super Mario Brothers circa 1996 – the games are so different now though! I love to read and listen to podcasts. I really enjoy the gym and can’t wait for the Body Pump class to come back soon.

What is your favourite cake?

My favourite cake is any cake - I couldn’t chose – they’re all too yummy! I love to bake so there is always a cake of some sort in the house (hence the ‘looking forward to the gym reopening)

Tell us one thing that people would not know about you?

People may not know I’m a Scout Leader, 1st Leek Wootton Beaver Scouts, and I celebrate 5 years’ service this year. My claim to fame is that I was the first ‘girl’ Scout! I never fancied girl guides and my mum was a Scout leader. When they said girls could join the scouts which was only for boys… I was the first in the queue!

How can people get in touch with you or connect with you?

We are everywhere on the socials you’d expect to see us, so do check us out.

I can be found on LinkedIn: Hana Smiddy | LinkedIn or you can email me at office@mikerobertsproperty.com, or on the telephone here 07432 321 615.