Our Tata Top Team had a great time helping to make bath bombs with our very own amazing product – Bicarbonate of Soda – Passion for Learning’s Career Carnival in Chester!!! But’s what’s even more amazing are the cool kids who come along to meet us 😎

Great fun day and thanks to Passion for Learning for allowing us to be part of this wonderful event again 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 .

Celebrations at our Winnington Plant

At our Sodium Bicarbonate Plant in Winnington, there was a celebration for one of our Senior Operating Technicians – Kev Jackson – who received his 40 year Long Service Award from his manager John Foster.

Kev has been an integral part of the Operations team for many years and had also worked in our ammonia soda process before moving into Bicarb.

After his many dedicated years of service, Kev has decided it’s time to hang up his boots and he will be very much missed when he leaves us in June.

We all wish Kev the very best for the future.

Last month, some of the team jetted off to Barcelona for the Convention on Pharmaceutical Ingredients (CPhI). The biggest event in the pharmaceutical industry felt like the prime location to announce British Salt’s latest innovation, Medi-Salt, as well as connecting with customers old and new. The team enjoyed the opportunity to network with industry leaders, understand their needs and discuss how and where our products could add value.

British Salt’s latest innovation: Medi-Salt

The exhibition was an opportunity for us to announce the latest innovation from British Salt. We’ve been supplying the global pharmaceutical sector with high purity sodium bicarbonate for decades and our latest product will do just that. Medi-Salt is a new and unique pharmaceutical salt that can be used in treatments that will improve the lives of millions of people across the world, including:

• Haemodialysis treatments
• Oral rehydration salts
• IV solutions
• Eye drops
• Personal care products

We are building the UK’s first pharmaceutical salt production plant right now and this state-of-the-art facility is set to produce 70,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical grade salt a year. From 2024 we will be able to supply EP/USP salt for use as an API or excipient. Medi-Salt is a more free flowing pharmaceutical salt which is easier to handle and process and will be available in a range of different size bags and FIBCs.

Our award-winning carbon capture and utilisation plant

During CPhI we were also pleased to receive an award from Accord Healthcare, the Supplier: Think Green, Act Green award, for our carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) plant. The plant, which opened back in 2021, was the first of its kind in the UK, and in the past two years has already achieved so much.

It was an honour to receive this award from Accord Healthcare who we have worked with now for a number of years and were one of our first pharmaceutical customers. Sales and Marketing Director Angus Vause accepted the award from director of procurement Tony Watson on the day:

“It was an honour to accept this award from Accord Healthcare and be recognised for our work on our own net zero journey. We greatly admire Accord’s work in promoting sustainable, UK-based suppliers and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

Above: Sales & Marketing Director Angus Vause and Procurement Director at Accord Tony Watson

Local girl, Megan, is currently studying for a T Level in Management and Administration at Nantwich’s Reaseheath College. As part of her studies, she has joined the TCE team for one day a week, getting to grips with various departments. We sat down with Megan to find out how she’s been settling into life at TCE.

Megan, tell us a little bit about your placement.

I really look forward to my placement day every week because I know that as soon as I walk in, I’ll be doing something different. I’ve been lucky enough to work across lots of different departments, from IT and customer service to a stint on reception. My next placement will be with the HR team which I’m really looking forward to. It’s been great getting an understanding of different teams and how they interact with others, which is an experience I know a lot of other 17-year-olds haven’t been able to have.

How did you come to find the placement at TCE?

It was actually my Mum who spotted the placement at a local careers fair and told me all about it. I chose my course specifically because I knew that I wanted a mix of studying and hands-on experience in a workplace, and I like the variety that TCE offered as it’ll give me an idea of what I’d actually like to pursue.

What is the culture like?

I’m naturally quite shy so I was initially nervous meeting all the teams, but everyone was so friendly the nerves soon faded. It’s such a warm and welcoming atmosphere here which means that I’m never afraid to ask for help. I would also say that no matter how senior someone is, they always make time to come and check in on me, which I don’t think happens in lots of other places!

Has there been a particular challenge that you’ve been proud to overcome?

Learning how to use the SAP software was a real challenge but with help from my team I can now say proudly that I can use it confidently!

What are your plans for the future?

I’ve been doing a few afternoons with the HR team so I’m really looking forward to that being my next placement. After that I’m keen to look into doing an HR apprenticeship – so I’m on the lookout for my next challenge!

Jacob Delaney is currently on secondment in customer services from the sales team. He sat down to chat to us about the apprenticeship scheme and opportunities for progression. He may be one of the youngest TCE team members, but he’s certainly got big plans for his time at TCE!

Here at TCE we’ve got a rich history of apprentices and we’re proud to say that many stay on with us, going on to have successful careers within the business. Take Steve McGuinness for example, he started with us as a fresh-faced apprentice and now works across our Lostock site with a focus on environmental compliance. We’re a people first kind of place and we like watching people flourish. The way we see it, if you’re supported to succeed then we both reap the rewards.

Apprentices from 1977

Jacob, tell us a little bit about your apprenticeship.

I genuinely look forward to coming in every Monday! I’ve really been thrown into things since being at TCE, including a couple of quite big accounts where I’m learning so much. Being on the customer-facing side of things can be quite high pressure but I find it really rewarding and I’m enjoying having KPIs and targets to hit. I also get to have a couple of meetings a week with my mentor, Angus, who is TCE’s Sales and Marketing Director. It’s amazing to have that level of contact with someone so senior in the business. I don’t think that’s something that many other 19-year-olds get exposed to so early on in their careers.

Can you tell us about the qualifications you’re working towards?

At the moment I’m working towards my level 4 in sales and then I’ll get the opportunity to go on and do my level 6 which is equivalent to a university degree. I don’t think you can ever learn enough, so working towards formal qualifications while getting real world experience is a win-win for me. Everyone is really invested in my learning and pushes me to make sure I am succeeding in my apprenticeship.

What’s it like working on the customer services team?

I think I’m the youngest person in the business and everyone really looks out for me here. Working with a team of such experienced people is such a privilege. My mate Terry has worked here his whole life so if you’ve got a question, he’s the guy to go to, and I’m just trying to absorb all his knowledge.

How would you describe the culture at TCE?

At TCE there’s a real culture of honesty. I get feedback on a regular basis which makes me feel even more motivated to progress and grow. They really invest in the person here and are big believers that they can teach you the skills you’ll need, you just need to bring the right attitude and work ethic. That being said, don’t just expect to be handed things on a plate. They really encourage you to go out there and find out things for yourself. I’d always advise other apprentices to ask questions. Be inquisitive and talk to different people across the business.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship at TCE?

If you want a job where there’s always something to do, something to challenge you and loads to learn then get that application sent in. It’s the best decision I’ve made, and I’m excited to see what my future here holds.

Looking to join the team? Great news! Browse jobs here: https://tatachemicals.pinpointhq.com/

We caught up with another of our young colleagues, apprentice Ellis Beech, who has been with us for the past five years. Ellis follows in the footsteps of his grandad, Russ Moores, who was a well-respected member of the TCE team, and who also started as an apprentice (although at ICI).

Busy working whilst studying for his professional qualifications, we chatted to Ellis and quizzed him to find out more about his role, apprenticeship and studies.

Ellis, tell us a little bit about your role at TCE.

I’m a High Voltage (HV) technician based out at the Lostock site. In a nutshell, it’s my job to operate and maintain the HV distribution network and associated HV assets across all three TCE sites and the Inovyn Enterprises site. It’s quite a specialist role due to the knowledge and experience required to maintain and operate the switchgear safely and in line with company HV safety rules and routine maintenance procedures.

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship at TCE?

I was keen to get into engineering after school and I knew I wanted to work while I studied. After finishing my A-levels at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College I joined TCE at the age of 18 and five years later I’m still here! I’ve been doing my apprenticeship for the past three and half years and have enjoyed the opportunity to get hands-on experience in such a specialised field, while also working towards some qualifications. I know first-hand the opportunity that there is to progress here, my grandad started off as an apprentice himself and progressed all the way up to engineering manager – I hope to have a similar career path.

Tell us more about these qualifications you’re working towards.

The qualifications I am working towards are a Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) standard apprenticeship which has been electrical biased, which includes a Level 3 BTEC in Engineering and a Performing Engineering Operation (PEO). I’ve also completed a Level 3 NVQ in Instrumentation and Control through TTE, and a variety of training courses including a high voltage maintenance course through PPL training as well as a control and instrumentation course with MCP technical training, both are accredited by City and Guilds.

What do you like most about working at TCE? What’s the culture like?

There’s a really supportive and encouraging culture here, which as an apprentice just starting out is something that I’ve really appreciated. From the moment I started here I felt welcomed and included. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel like a valued part of the team. There’s also so much opportunity to develop and learn, whether that’s building on skills you already have or learning totally new ones.

What are your plans for the future?

My ultimate goal is to become an HV distribution engineer. I’m excited to fully qualify and am keen to further my existing HV authorisation by gaining experience and working towards even more qualifications.

Finally, what would you say to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at TCE?

I’d say – what are you waiting for? I couldn’t recommend an apprenticeship at TCE enough! Not only are you working for one of the leading chemical manufacturers in the country, but you’ll also be given ample opportunity to gain valuable qualifications and real-world experience.

Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) is thrilled to announce that it is sponsoring a brand-new award at the Women Leaders Association (WLA) International Women’s Day Conference 2023: The Future of Work.

The event will take place Thursday 2nd March at the majestic Cranage Hall in Cheshire, where inspiring women from across various sectors will come together to host panels and masterclasses as well as simply connect.

There are 7 SHINE Awards and TCE is excited to be sponsoring the newest addition to the line-up the People & Talent Innovators of the Year award. This award celebrates a team that are innovating the way they attract, retain and develop talent. It also recognises sustainability of new approaches and embraces impactful technological solutions, working to simplify processes, engaging teams and managers to work smarter. The award is a perfect fit for TCE who have always been huge advocates of nurturing talent and innovation. The company has always been at the forefront of ground-breaking innovations, so they are a natural fit to sponsor this new award. Last year, they launched the UK’s largest Carbon Capture and Usage Plant and are striving to always better their already impressive sustainability credentials.

The nominees in the category will be asked to do a 5–7-minute presentation including an introduction to their role and answers to these questions:

1. Tell us about you and how you feel about being nominated.
2. As a nominee for the People & Talent Innovators of the Year award please share with us: how you have demonstrated and delivered innovation, collaboration, and leadership across your organisation?
3. If you can make one thing happen to support female leaders in the workplace this year – what will it be?

The conference is a chance for women in business to come together for an incredible day packed with speakers and inspirational women from across industries including the likes of Claire D’Abreu-Hayling the Chief Scientific Officer at pharmaceutical company Sandoz and Alexandra Kreft who is the Vice President EMEA Global Alliances at Dell Technologies.

The WLA offers one of the most rewarding women leadership development programmes available. They help women develop authentic leadership skills, as well as the confidence and courage to initiate meaningful change in the workplace.

TCE have always been forward-thinking in terms of women in business and are excited to be associated with such an amazing event. Martin Ashcroft, Managing Director of TCE and Karen Lounds, Business Service Director of HR, IT and Procurement will be special guests on the judging panel for this award.

Karen Lounds said of the event: “TCE is thrilled to be sponsoring the award for People & Talent Innovators of the Year at this year’s SHINE awards. At TCE, people and innovation are at the heart of everything we do, so it was such a natural fit for us. We can’t wait to hear from some top innovators and female leaders – it’s sure to be an incredible day of celebrating some really inspirational women.”

Sandra Pinnington, Founder and Director of Executive Insight added: “We’re really excited that TCE are sponsoring our newest SHINE award. They’ve always been huge advocates of what we do and are a shining example of supporting women in business.”

For more information head to iwd-thewla.com

On Thursday 14th March, Phil Davies Grainne Patterson & Helen Edwards attended the Careers Networking Event at Loreto Grammar School, Altrincham where they met Year 11 & 12 students looking to build connections and network, with particular emphasis on STEM.

Lots of pertinent questions and energy from super engaged and motivated pupils, who were also extremely polite. It was a pleasure to be able to chat to the girls and hopefully equip them with good hints and tips as well as information about career opportunities at TCE and British Salt as they make some important life choices for their future professions.

Thank you to Loreto Altrincham for a warm welcome and we look forward to working with you again in the future!

We caught up with Vicky Graham from our Soda Ash Sales & Customer Service team.

• When did you join the company and what’s your job title?

I joined in August 2006 as Supply Chain co-ordinator and I now work as a TCE Soda Ash Sales & Customer Service Representative, based at Natrium House.

• Typically, what does your current role involve on a day to day basis?

We deal with various departments across the business and also have regular contact with a wide base of external customers.

My day-to-day responsibilities involve:

• Liaising with the ash packing team / checking customer requirements are met and dealing with special requests
• Resolving any issues arising and dealing with any customer complaints
• Liaising with hauliers
• Keeping an eye on stock levels and forward demands of customers
• Ensuring that documentation is in good order, invoices receipted, customer pricing maintained.
• What’s your career background?

I studied modern languages at Sheffield University and after graduating I worked for King UK in the buying department liaising with their French depot. I then worked at Nalco in their Contracts and Pricing department. I moved from Nalco to Brunner Mond in 2006 to join the Marketing and Supply Chain team.

• What are the key initiatives that you’re currently involved in?

I am currently reviewing Incoterms used by customers to ensure they are in line with ours and verifying customer data held in SAP is up- to- date.

• Understand that you speak several languages. Do you use your French & German in your working role at all?

I have always used my languages here at TCE with our customer base in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

• What have been your biggest achievements to date at TCE?

Completing Lean Sigma green belt – in 2014.

• What gives you the most job satisfaction in your work at TCE

Being able to use my language skills with our European customers. It is good to still have an opportunity to use these languages in my working life.

• You currently work part time – has that always been the case or was it a lifestyle choice?

I worked full time until having children. I now work a formal job share with Christine Byrne which works really well for us both. We work full days, for two days one week and three days the next. Without this flexibility from the company I would not have been able to return to the workplace following maternity leave.

British Salt’s £7.2 million investment to replace the boilers at the Middlewich site continue to gather pace.

The installation of the new flue stack has recently been completed. Following the first stage, British Salt’s project team is now focused on the installation of the largest items; the new boilers.